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Danira 


By 

E.  Werner. 


Chicago  and  New  York: 
Rand,  McNally  &  Company, 

Publishers. 

6V 


CoPYRiosT  1888,  BY  Rand,  McNally  &  Co.,  Chicago. 


DANIRA. 


I. 

The  storm  had  lasted  all  night.  Not  until  early- 
dawn  did  the  gale  lessen  and  tlie  towering  billows  of 
the  sea  begin  to  subside. 

The  steamer,  which  had  undergone  a  tolerably  se- 
vere conflict  with  wind  and  waves,  was  just  running 
into  the  sheltering  harbor,  at  whose  end  appeared  her 
destined  port,  a  picturesquely  situated  town,  domi- 
nated by  a  strong  citadel  on  a  rocky  height. 

In  the  bow  stood  a  young  ofiicer  in  the  uniform  of 
the  Austrian  Imperial  Chasseurs,  who,  spy-glass  in 
hand,  was  scanning  the  scene.  The  light  fatigue  cap 
covering  his  thick,  fair  hair,  shaded  a  face  that  har- 
monized perfectly  with  his  manly  bearing.  Every 
feature  was  grave,  firm,  resolute,  and  the  clear  light- 
brown  eyes,  with  their  quiet,  searching  gaze,  suited 
the  countenance.  Yet  one  might  have  desired  a  little 
more  life  and  animation ;  the  grave,  passionless  re- 
pose of  a  face  so  youthful  produced  an  almost  chill- 
ing  impression.     A   heavy  step  was  heard  on  the 


6  DANIRA. 

cabin  stairs,  and  directly  after  a  young  soldier,  who 
M-ore  the  same  uniform,  approached.  The  steamer 
still  rocked  so  much  that  he  had  some  difficulty  in 
crossing  the  deck  to  his  officer,  who  now  closed  the 
glass  and  turned  toward  liim. 

"  Well,  George,  what  are  the  men  doing  ? "  he 
asked.     "  How  are  things  going  down  below?  " 

"  It's  awful,  lieutenant,"  was  the  reply.  "  They 
are  still  so  sea-sick  that  they  can  neither  hear  ngr 
see.  You  and  I  are  the  only  ones  who  have  kept 
up." 

"I  suppose  you  are  very  proud  that  we  two  are  the 
only  ones  who  have  proved  ourselves  good  sailors  ?  " 
said  the  officer,  with  a  flitting  smile. 

"  I  should  think  so,"  answered  George.  "  When 
a  man  has  seen  nothing  but  mountains  all  his  life, 
it's  no  small  matter  to  toss  about  on  this  confounded 
glittering  blue  sea,  as  we  have  done  for  three  days 
and  nights.  This  Cattaro  is  surely  almost  at  the  end 
of  the  world." 

He  spoke  in  the  purest  Tyrolese  dialect,  and  now 
stationed  himself  close  behind  the  officer  with  a 
fainiliarity  that  implied  some  closer  relation  than  the 
tie  between  a  subaltern  and  his  commander. 

George  was  a  handsome,  sturdy  fellow,  with  curly 
black  hair  and  a  fresh,  sun-burnt  face,  in  which  a  pair 
of  black  eyes  sparkled  boldly  and  merrily.  At 
present,  however,  they  were  scanning  Avith  evident 
curiosity  the  goal  of  the  journey  wliicli  the  steamer 
was  now  approaching. 

The  open  sea  had  already  disappeared,  and  nearer 


DANIRA.  7 

and  darker  towered  the  gigantic  peaks  which  had 
been  visible  iu  the  distance  since  early  dawn.  They 
seemed  to  rise  from  the  v/ater  in  every  direction  and 
bar  the  ship's  way,  but  a  narrow  passage  between  the 
cliffs  opened  like  a  huge  gloomy  gate,  and  the  whole 
extent  of  the  harbor  appeared  before  the  vessel  as  she 
steered  in. 

The  foaming,  surging  waves  had  been  left  outside, 
and  the  water  lay  almost  motionless,  encircled  by 
the  chain  of  mountains  surrounding  it. 

The  sun  was  already  struggling  with  the  dispers- 
ing storm-clouds ;  ever  and  anon  golden  shafts  darted 
through  them  and  danced  upon  the  waves,  and  broad, 
shimmering  rays  of  light  gleamed  through  the  mist, 
but  the  fog  still  rested  in  dense  masses  over  the  city, 
and  the  citadel  was  scarcely  visible  in  the  shadow  of 
the  clouds  gathered  around  it. 

"A  magnificent  view  !  "  said*  the  young  officer  in  a 
low  tone,  more  to  himself  than  to  his  companion,  but 
the  latter  assumed  a  very  contemptuous  air. 

"  Pshaw,  they're  not  like  our  Tyrolese  mountains ! 
No  forests,  no  streams,  not  a  human  habitation  up 
there !  This  is  surely  the  beginning  of  the  wil- 
derness, and  if  we  once  get  in  there  we'll  never  come 
out  alive." 

He  sighed  so  heavily  that  the  lieutenant  frowned 
and  glanced  angrily  at  him. 

"What  does  this  mean,  George?  Are  you  losing 
heart  ?  You  were  no  peace-maker  at  home.  Wher- 
ever there  was  a  brawl,  George  Moosbach  was  sure  to 
be  in  it." 


8  DANIRA. 

"  Yes,  that  he  was  !  "  George  assented  with  great 
satisfaction.  "But  it  was  only  sport!  Still,  if  we 
were  going  to  light  honest  Christians  I  should  have 
no  objection  to  doing  it  in  earnest.  We  should  at 
least  be  among  our  own  people,  and  if  a  man  were 
killed  he  would  have  Christian  burial,  but  fighting 
these  savages  is  no  joke.  I've  been  told  that  they 
cut  off  the  noses  of  their  enemies — if  they  have  them, 
of  course — and  both  ears  to  boot,  and  that's  certainly 
a  very  disagreeable  custom." 

"Nonsense!  You  and  your  comrades  have  im- 
posed upon  each  other  by  all  sorts  of  stories,  and  now 
swear  to  them  as  is  your  custom." 

"  But  Baroness  von  Steinach  was  terribly  frightened 
when  the  marching  orders  came.  She  sent  for  me 
to  come  to  the  castle  and  made  me  promise  never  to 
leave  your  side,  Herr  Gerald — beg  pardon,  Herr 
Lieutenant,  I  meant  to  say." 

"  Oh  !  use  the  old  name,  we  are  not  on  duty  now," 
replied  Gerald ;  "  respect  for  your  lieutenant  doesn't 
agree  with  the  memories  of  our  boyhood,  when  we 
were  playfellows.  So  ray  mother  sent  for  you? 
Yes,  she  is  always  anxious  about  the  life  of  her  only 
son,  and  can  never  accustom  herself  to  the  thought 
that  danger  is  part  of  the  soldier's  trade.  But  there 
is  the  portin  siglit !  Go  to  your  comrades,  they  have 
probably  nearly  recovered,  the  water  is  smooth  here." 

"  Yes,  Herr  Lieutenant ! "  replied  George,  drawing 
himself  uj)  with  a  military  salute  and  mai'ching  off, 
while  Gerald  von  Steinbach  again  raised  his  spy- 
glass. 


DAN  IRA.  9 

•  Meantime  the  steamer  had  been  sighted  from  the 
shore,  and  its  appearance  caused  an  eager  stir  near 
the  harbor.  True,  ships  bringing  troops  to  this  dis- 
tant frontier  of  the  em[)irc  were  now  daily  arriving; 
still  it  was  an  event,  and  a  motley  crowd  in  which, 
however,  uniforms  predonnnateil,  thronged  the  land- 
ing-place to  greet  the  new  arrivals. 

Not  far  from  the  shore  was  a  fine  residence  over- 
looking the  bay.  It  w^as  the  home  of  the  command- 
er of  tlie  garrison,  and  at  the  window  stood  a  young 
lady,  gazing  intently  through  the  gradually  dispers- 
ing fog  at  the  approaching  ship. 

The  graceful  figure  framed  by  the  window  looked 
like  a  picture  against  the  dark  background  of  the 
room,  a  picture  in  which  everything  was  bright 
and  sunny,  the  rosy,  laughing"  face,  the  fair  curl- 
ing locks,  the  blue  eyes  radiant  with  mirth. 

There  was  a  great  deal  of  arrogance  and  self-will 
in  the  charming  little  face,  and  the  extremely  ele- 
gant attire  which,  in  this  out-of-the-way  place,  dis- 
played the  very  latest  fashion  j)revailing  in  the  cap- 
ital, showed  that  vanity  was  not  a  total  stranger  to 
the  young  lady.  Yet  there  was  something  bewitch- 
ing in  the  little  elfin  figure  that  leaned  so  grace- 
fully out  of  tlie  window,  and  now  turned  with 
every  sign  of  impatience. 

"The  steamer  hardly  moves  to-day,"  she  said, 
angrily.  "  It  has  been  in  sight  for  more  than  half 
an  hour.  It  ought  to  have  reached  the  landing- 
place  long  ago,  and  is  still  floating  on  the  waves 
yonder.     Danira,  for  heaven's  sake,  put  down  tliat 


10  DANIRA. 

book !  I  can't  bear  to  see  you  reading  so  indiffer- 
eutly,  while  I  ani  almost  dying  with  curiosity." 

The  person  addressed  laid  the  book  aside  and 
glanced  hastily  out  of  the  window.  She  was  prob- 
ably about  the  same  age — neither  of  the  girls  could 
have  been  more  than  seventeen — but  it  would  have 
been  hard  to  find  a  greater  contrast  than  the  pair 
presented. 

There  was  something  foreign  in  Danira's  appear- 
ance which  did  not  seem  to  suit  either  her  fash- 
ionable dress  or  her  surroundings.  Her  face  was 
dark  as  if  burned  by  a  scorching  sun,  and  yet  pale, 
for  the  cheeks  showed  scarcely  a  tinge  of  color. 
The  luxuriant  braids,  blue-black  in  hue,  seemed  to 
yield  reluctantly  to  the  constraint  of  being  fastened 
on  the  head ;  they  looked  as  though  they  must 
fall  by  their  own  weight  and  float  uuconfined. 

Her  long  dark  lashes  were  usually  lowered,  but 
when  raised,  revealed  a  pair  of  large  dark  eyes,  full 
of  dewy  radiance.  Their  expression  was  cold  and 
careless,  yet  their  depths  concealed  a  light  ardent 
and  glowing  as  the  rays  of  the  Southern  sun,  which 
had  evidently  kissed  them. 

The  girl's  voice  too  had  a  peculiar  tone,  deep  yet 
musical,  and  the  German  words,  though  spoken  with 
perfect  fluency,  had  a  slight  trace  of  the  foreign  air 
which  characterized  her  whole  appearance. 

"  The  steamer  will  be  here  in  fifteen  minutes,"  she 
said.  "  It  is  coming  at  the  usual  time.  Are  you  so 
impatient  to  see  your  betrothed  bridegroom,  Edith  ?  " 

Edith  tossed  her  little  head.    "  Well,  what  if  I  am  I 


DANIRA.  11 

We  have  become  almost  strangers  to  each  other.  I 
was  a  child  when  we  left  home,  and  Gerald  only  came 
from  the  military  school  to  bid  us  good-bye.  He  was 
a  handsome  fellow  then — I  remember  him  perfectly 
— but  a  little  priggish,  rather  stupid,  and  possessed 
of  a  horrible  talent  for  lecturing.  But  I'll  cure  him 
of  that  most  thoroughly." 

"  Do  you  intend  to  '  cure '  your  future  husband 
before  you  have  ever  seen  him  ?  "  asked  Danira,  with 
a  tinge  of  sarcasm.  "  Perhaps  he  isn't  so  yielding  as 
your  father." 

Edith  laughed.  "  Oh !  Papa  is  sometimes  stern 
enough  to  other  people — yet  I  do  as  I  please  with 
liim,  and  it  will  be  the  same  with  Gerald.  Do  you 
like  his  picture  ?  " 

She  took  a  large  photograph  from  the  writing-table 
and  held  it  toward  Danira,  who,  with  a  hasty  glance 
at  it,  answered  in  a  curt,  positive  tone,  "  No." 

Edith's  blue  eyes  opened  wide  in  amazement. 

"  What,  you  don't  like  this  picture  ?  This  face 
with  its  handsome,  regular  features " 

"  And  eyes  as  cold  as  ice  I  That  man  has  never 
loved,  his  glance  says  so." 

"  Well,  he  must  learn  then  !  That  shall  be  my 
task.  Of  course  I  shall  see  little  enough  at  first  of 
this  lieutenant,  who  has  been  sent  campaigning  and 
courting  at  the  same  time.  He  must  go  and  fight  your 
countrymen  for  weeks  up  in  the  mountains  before  he 
can  pay  proper  attention  to  me.  I  hope  it  won't  be 
long  ere  the  bands  of  insurgents  are  scattered  and  de- 
stroyed.    I  shall  tell  Gerald  that  he  must  hasten  the 


12  DANIRA. 

victory  and  his  return  on  pain  of  my  displeasure." 

There  was  only  saucy  mirth  in  the  words,  nothing 
more,  but  Danira  seemed  to  find  a  different  meaning. 
Her  eyes  flashed,  and  in  a  voice  that  sounded  almost 
cutting,  she  replied : 

"  Better  tell  him  to  take  care  that  he  does  not  lose 
up  yonder  all  hope  of  return  and  marriage — forever  !  " 

Edith  gazed  at  her  a  few  seconds,  perplexed  and 
startled,  then  indignantly  exclaimed  : 

"  I  believe  3'ou  are  quite  capable  of  wishing  it.  Is 
it  possible  that  you  still  care  for  those  savages,  who 
have  not  troubled  themselves  about  you  since  your 
childliood  ?  Papa  is  perfectly  right  when  he  says  you 
have  no  affection,  no  gratitude,  in  spite  of  all  he  has 
done  for  you." 

A  half  bitter,  half  grieved  expression  hovered 
around  Danira's  lips  as  she  heard  these  reproaches. 
"  Gratitude  ! "  she  repeated,  in  a  low  tone.  "  You 
do  not  know  how  hard  a  duty  gratitude  is,  when  it  is 
required." 

Spite  of  tlie  sharp  tone  there  was  something  in  the 
words  which  disarmed  Ediih's  anger.  Stealing  to 
her  companion's  side,  she  laid  her  hand  on  her 
arm. 

"  And  I  ?  "  she  asked  in  a  voice  of  mingled  reproach 
and  entreaty,  "am  I  nothing  to  you  ?  " 

Danira  looked  down  at  the  rosy  blooming  face,  and 
her  tone  involuntarily  softened. 

"  You  are  much  to  me,  Edith.  But — we  do  not 
understand  each  other  and  never  sliall." 

"  Because  you  are  inaccessible  and  self-contixined 


DAN  IRA.  13 

as  a  book  with  seven  seals.  I  have  always  been  a 
friend,  a  sister  to  you.  You  would  never  be  the 
same  to  me." 

The  reproach  must  have  struck  home,  for  Danira's 
head  drooped  as  if  she  were  conscious  of  guilt. 

"  You  are  right,"  she  said  in  a  troubled  tone,  "  it 
is  all  my  fault.     But  you  do  not,  cannot  know " 

"  What  is  it  I  don't  know?  "  asked  Edith,  curious- 
ly. Danira  made  no  reply,  but  passed  her  hand 
lightly  over  the  curly  head  resting  on  her  shoulder 
and  gazed  into  the  blue  eyes,  now  glittering  with 
tears.  Perhaps  the  young  girl's  feelings  were  deep- 
er, more  earnest  than  she  had  believed. 

Just  at  that  moment  they  heard  the  signal  announc- 
ing that  the  steamer  had  reached  the  landing. 
Edith  started,  her  tears  vanished  as  quickly  as  they 
had  come,  anger  and  reproaches  were  alike  forgotten 
and  the  young  girl  rushed  to  the  window  with 
the  eagerness  and  curiosity  of  a  child  that  has  been 
promised  a  new  toy  and  cannot  wait  for  the  moment 
of  seeing  it. 

The  scornful  expression  again  hovered  around 
Danira's  lips.  She  pushed  aside,  with  a  gesture  of 
repugnance,  the  photograph  which  still  stood  on  the 
table,  and,  taking  up  her  book  again,  turned  her  back 
to  the  window. 

Yet  the  young  fiancee's  impatience  Avas  very  excus- 
able, for  her  remembrance  of  her  betrothed  husband 
dated  from  her  earliest  childhood.  Her  father.  Col- 
onel Arlow,  before  being  transferred  to  the  distant 
Dalmatian  fortress,  had  been  stationed  with  his  regi- 


14  DANIRA. 

ment  in  the  capital  of  Southern  Tyrol,  only  a  few 
hoiu's  ride  from  Castle  Steinach,  and  the  matrimonial 
plan  had  been  arranged  at  that  time.  Gerald's 
father,  on  his  death-bed,  had  told  his  son  of  this  dar- 
ling wish,  and  Edith  had  been  educated  expressly 
for  him.  While  the  young  officer  was  preparing  for 
his  militar}''  career,  his  betrothed  bride,  who  had  lost 
her  mother  when  very  young,  had  grown  up  in  the 
house  of  a  father  who  spoiled  and  idolized  her.  Dis- 
tance had  hitherto  prevented  a  meeting  between  the 
young  couple,  but  at  the  outbreak  of  the  insurrection 
Gerald's  regiment  was  unexpectedly  ordered  to 
Cattaro,  and  thus  chance  ordained  that  his  first  cam- 
paign should  also  be  a  courtsliip. 

Meantime  the  disembarkation  had  already  begun, 
but  amid  the  confusion  of  arrivals  and  greetings  it 
was  scarcely  possible  to  distinguish  individuals.  At 
last,  a  group  of  officers  separated  from  the  throng 
and  walked  toward  the  city,  and  but  half  an  hour 
elapsed  ere  the  commandant  entered  the  room  with 
his  guest. 

Colonel  Arlow,  a  fine-looking,  soldierly  man  in  the 
prime  of  life,  led  the  young  officer  to  his  daughter, 
saying,  in  a  jesting  tone  : 

"Herr  Gerald  von  Steinach,  lieutenant  in  the 
Imperial  Chasseurs,  desires  an  introduction  to  you, 
my  child.  See  whether  you  can  recognize  in  this 
young  warrior  tlie  features  of  your  former  play- 
fellow. Of  course,  Gerald,  j^ou  will  not  remember 
the  child  of  those  days  ;  she  has  altered  considerably 
in  the  course  of  the  yeai's," 


DANIRA.  16 

The  last  words  and  the  look  that  rested  on  his 
daughter  expressed  jo3'ous  paternal  pride,  a  pride 
certainly  justifiable.  Edith  was  wonderfully  charm- 
ing at  that  moment. 

Gerald  approached  her  with  perfect  ease,  and, 
holding  out  his  hand,  said  cordially  : 

"  How  are  you,  Edith  ?  "  The  words  from  his  lips, 
with  their  native  accent,  sounded  as  familiar  as  if  he 
had  taken  leave  of  his  little  fiancee  only  the  day 
before. 

Edith  looked  up  at  the  tall  figure,  met  the  e3^es 
resting  gravely  but  kindly  upon  her,  and  suddenly 
lost  her  composure  entirely.  A  burning  blush 
crimsoned  her  face,  the  words  of  greeting  died  upon 
her  lips,  and  she  stood  silent  and  confused,  perfectly 
unconscious  how  bewitching  she  looked  in  her  em- 
barrassment. 

Gerald  gallantly  kissed  the  little  hand  that  rested 
in  his  own,  but  only  held  it  a  moment  ere  he 
relaxed  it. 

He  had  evidently  received  a  pleasant  impression  of 
his  young  fiancee^  but  his  nature  was  apparently 
incapable  of  deep  or  passionate  emotion. 

He  now  saw  for  the  first  time  that  another  lady 
was  standing  at  the  back  of  the  room,  and  turned 
\vith  a  gesture  of  inquiry  to  the  colonel. 

"  My  adopted  daughter,  Danira,  "  said  the  latter 
carelessly.  He  seemed  to  consider  any  further  in- 
troduction unnecessary,  and  there  was  even  a  tone  of 
negligence  in  his  voice. 

The  young  officer  bowed,  casting  a  somewhat 


16  DANIRA, 

pazzled  glance  at  tht  girl's  sullen  face.     Danira  re- 
turned the  salute  witliout  raising  her  eyes. 

Gerald  brought  messages  and  letters  from  his 
mother,  and  these  afforded  subjects  for  a  conversa- 
tion which  soon  became  extremely  animated,  and  in 
a  few  moments  dispelled  the  last  remnants  of  con- 
straint still  existing  between  the  young  pair. 

Edith  had  conquered  her  momentary  embarrass- 
ment, and  now  resumed  the  familiar  tone  of  her 
cliildhood.  She  fairly  sparkled  with  gay ety  and  jest, 
as  was  her  nature,  but  all  her  vivacity  failed  to  infect 
Gerald.  He  was  courteous,  gallant,  even  cordial, 
and  readily  answered  all  her  questions  about  liis 
journey,  his  home  and  liis  mother,  but  he  did  so  with 
the  grave,  quiet  composure  that  seemed  an  insepa- 
rable part  of  his  character. 

At  last  the  conversation  turned  upon  the  approach- 
ing campaign.  The  colonel  did  not  consider  the  in- 
surrection so  trivial  a  matter  as  many  of  tlie  officers. 
He  spoke  of  it  earnestly,  even  anxiously,  and,  for  the 
first  time,  Gerald  appeared  really  interested.  He  was 
evidently  a  thorough  soldier,  and  Edith  noticed  with 
a  surprise  equal  to  her  displeasure  that  the  campaign 
lay  far  nearer  to  her  lover's  heart  than  the  courtship 
of  his  bride.  With  all  her  charms  she  had  failed  to 
rouse  one  spark  of  feeling  from  the  unvarying  calm- 
ness of  his  manner,  but  now,  while  talking  of  moun- 
tain passes,  fortifications,  attacks  and  similar  unin- 
teresting things,  his  eyes  brightened  and  his  face 
began  to  flush  with  eagerness. 

The  young  lady  was  accustomed  to  be  the  principal 


DAN  IRA.  17 

object  of  attention,  and  felt  offended  to  have  a  man 
absorbed  in  such  subjects  while  in  her  presence.  Her 
lips  pouted  more  and  more  angrily,  and  the  lines  on 
her  smooth  brow  indicated  an  extremely  wrathful 
mood.  Unluckily  Gerald  did  not  even  notice  it,  he 
was  plunging  deeper  and  deeper  into  military  matters 
with  the  commandant. 

Once,  however,  he  faltered  in  the  midst  of  a  sen- 
tencOo  He  had  addressed  a  question  to  the  colonel, 
and  pointing  to  the  mountains,  turned  toward  the 
window,  when  he  suddenly  saw  Danira,  of  whom  no 
one  had  taken  any  further  notice.  She  was  standing, 
half  concealed  by  the  curtain,  apparently  uninterest- 
ed, yet  her  face  betrayed  feverish  suspense,  breath- 
less attention,  she  was  fairly  reading  the  words  from 
the  speaker's  lips. 

For  a  moment  her  gaze  met  the  young  officer's. 
It  was  the  first  time  he  had  seen  her  eyes,  but  a 
menacing,  mysterious  look  flashed  from  their  depths. 
He  could  not  understand  its  meaning,  for  it  was  only 
a  moment — then  the  lashes  drooped  and  the  girl's 
features  regained  their  usual  rigid,  icy  immobility. 

The  colonel  answered  the  question  with  great  mi- 
nuteness, and  the  discussion  between  the  two  gentle- 
men became  more  and  more  animated.  Edith  listened 
a  few  moments  longer  but,  as  the  pair  did  not  seem 
disposed  to  leave  their  mountain  passes  and  fortifica- 
tions, her  patience  became  exhausted.  Rising  with 
the  freedom  and  ludeness  of  a  child  she  said,  in  a 
tone  intended  to  be  sarcastic,  but  which  sounded  ex- 
tremely  angry : 


18  DANIRA, 

"  Come,  Daiiira,  we  will  leave  the  gentlemen  to 
their  conversation  on  military  affairs.  We  are  only 
interrupting  these  interesting  discussions." 

With  these  words  she  unceremoniously  seized  her 
adopted  sister's  arm  and  drew  her  into  the  adjoining 
room.  Gerald  looked  after  her  in  great  astonish- 
ment ;  he  evidently  had  no  suspicion  of  the  crime  he 
had  committed.     The  colonel  lauMied. 

"  Ah  !  yes,  we  had  forgotten  the  i)resence  of  the 
ladies  !  They  take  the  liberty  of  showing  us  how 
greatly  our  war  stories  bore  them,  and  after  all  they 
are  right.  You  have  lost  Ethel's  favor,  Gerald,  and 
must  seek  forgiveness." 

Gerald  seemed  in  no  haste  to  do  so,  he  answered 
with  perfect  composure : 

"  I  am  sorry,  but  I  really  supposed  Edith  might  be 
expected  to  take  some  interest  in  a  campaign  where 
I  am  to  win  my  spurs." 

"  Perhaps  she  is  afraid  it  will  make  you  forget  her," 
said  the  colonel  with  a  shade  of  reproof.  "It  really 
almost  seemed  so.  My  little  Edith  is  spoiled  in  that 
respect.  "Perhaps  I  have  indulged  her  too  much,  we 
are  always  weak  toward  an  only  child.  I  am  glad 
that  you  are  so  devoted  to  your  profession,  but  young 
girls  desire  first  of  all  to  see  a  lover  in  a  betrothed 
husband.  The  military  hero  occupies  a  secondary 
place.  Note  that,  my  boy,  and  govern  yourself  ac- 
cordingly in  future." 

Gerald  smiled.  "  You  are  riglit,  perhaps,  I  am  too 
thorough  a  soldier,  but  ought  Editli  to  reproach  me 
for  it  ?     She  is  a  soldier's  daughter,  a  soldier's  prom- 


LANIRA.  19 

ised  bride,  and  is  living  liere  amid  all  the  excitement 
and  preparations  for  the  campaign.  Her  companion 
seemed  far  more  interested  in  it." 

"Danira?     Possibly.     I  have  not  noticed." 

"  Who  is  this  Danira  ?  There  is  something  pecul- 
iar, foreign  in  her  appearance.  She  cannot  be  a 
German.     Every  feature  betrays  Slavonic  origin." 

"  Yes,  that  blood  does  not  belie  itself,"  said  Arlow 
indignantly.  "  You  are  perfectly  right,  the  girl 
belongs  to  the  race  that  is  giving  us  so  much  trouble, 
and  you  have  before  your  eyes  a  type  of  the  whole 
people.  When  Danira  came  to  my  house  she  was  a 
child,  who  could  have  received  no  very  deep  impres- 
sions of  her  home.  She  has  had  the  same  education 
as  Edith,  has  been  reared  like  a  daughter  of  the 
family,  has  lived  exclusively  in  our  circle,  yet  the 
fierce,  defiant  Slav  nature  has  remained  unchanged. 
Neither  kindness  nor  harshness  can  influence  it." 

"  But  how  came  this  adopted  daughter  into  your 
house  ?  Did  you  receive  her  voluntarily  ?  " 

"  Yes  and  no,  as  you  choose  to  regard  it.  When  I 
was  ordered  to  my  present  post,  the  insurrection, 
which  was  then  supposed  to  be  finally  suppressed  and 
is  now  again  glimmering  like  a  spark  under  ashes,  had 
just  been  put  down.  Yet  there  were  still  daily  skir- 
mishes in  the  mountains.  During  one  of  these,  a  leader 
of  the  insurgents  fell  into  our  hands  severely  wound- 
ed, and  was  brouglit  here  as  a  prisoner.  After  a  few 
days  his  wife  appeared  with  her  two  children,  and 
asked  permission  to  see  and  nurse  him,  which  was 
granted.     The  man  succumbed  to  his  wounds ;  the 


20  I)  AN  Hi  A. 

wife,  \vlio  had  caught  a  dangerous  fever  prevailing 
at  that  time  in  our  liospital,  soon  followed  liimto  tlie 
grave,  and  the  children,  Danira  and  her  brother,  were 
orphaned." 

Gerald  listened  with  increasing  interest  ;  the 
young  Slav  girl  would  probably  have  been  indifferent 
to  him,  but  her  origin  aroused  his  sympath}'  and  he 
listened  attentively  to  the  story  of  the  commandant, 
who  now  continued  : 

"  My  officers  and  I  agreed  that  it  was  both  a  humane 
duty  and  a  point  of  lionor  to  adopt  the  orphans,  and 
we  knew,  also,  that  persons  in  high  places  would  be 
pleased  to  have  the  children  of  one  of  the  most 
dreaded  insurgent  chiefs  under  our  charge  and  train- 
ing. Conciliation  was  then  the  watchword.  I 
took  the  little  ones  into  my  own  house,  but  after  a 
few  weeks  tlie  boy  vanished. 

"Had  he  fled?" 

"  We  thought  so  at  first,  but  it  soon  appeared 
that  he  had  been  carried  off  by  his  countrymen. 
Danira  escaped  the  same  fate  only  because  she  was 
sleeping  in  the  room  with  Edith.  Besides,  women 
are  little  valued  by  this  people.  To  leave  their  chiefs 
son  in  our  hands  seemed  to  them  a  disgrace,  but 
they  did  not  care  about  the  girl." 

"  So  she  remained  in  your  house  ?" 

"  Yes,  by  my  dead  wife's  express  desire.  I  at  first 
Dpposed  it,  and  the  result  proves  that  I  was  right. 
Every  care  and  kindness  was  lavished  on  this  girl, 
who  even  now,  after  so  many  years,  is  still  as  alien, 
I  might  almost  say  as  hostile  to  us,  as  on  the  first  day 


DAN  in  A.  21 

of  her  arrival.  If  1  did  not  know  that  my  Edith's 
bright,  siiiiuy  temperament  instinctively  repels  such 
influences,  I  should  be  anxious  about  this  companion- 
ship and  should  have  put  an  end  to  it  long  ago." 

"  Such  mysterious  natures  are  unsympathetic  to 
me  also,"  replied  Gerald  hastily,  with  an  expression 
that  almost  betrayed  repugnance.  "  There  is  some- 
thing nncanny  in  her  appearance.  I  met  her  eyes  a 
moment  a  short  time  ago,  and  it  seemed  as  if  I  were 
gazing  into  a  dark,  tempestuous  night.  Edith,  on  the 
contrary,  seems  like  a  bright  spring  day,  though  with 
somewhat  April  weather. 

The  colonel  laughed  heartily  at  the  comparison. 

"  Have  you  discovered  that  already  ?  Yes,  she  is 
as  capricious  as  an  April  day.  Rain  and  sunshine  in 
the  same  moment.  But  I  can  give  you  the  consola- 
tion that  the  sunshine  predominates,  only  you  must 
understand  how  to  call  it  forth.  Now  go  to  her,  that 
your  first  meeting  may  not  end  in  discord.  You  will 
".ome  to  an  understanding  better  if  you  are  alone." 

He  waved  his  hand  kindly  to  his  future  son-in- 
law  and  left  the  room. 

Gerald  did  not  seem  to  have  thought  of  a  reconcili- 
ation, but  he  could  not  disregard  this  hint  ;  and,  be- 
sides, the  father  was  right,  this  first  hour  of  their  in- 
tercourse ought  not  to  end  in  discord.  The  young 
man,  therefore,  went  to  the  adjoining  room,  where 
the  girls  probably  still  remained.  His  coming  had 
doubtless  been  expected,  for  at  his  entrance  some- 
thing fluttered  away  like  a  frightened  bird,  and  he 
saw  Edith's  light  summer   dress  vanish   behind  the 


22  DANIRA. 

door  of  the  adjacent  apartment.  But  the  conceal- 
ment did  not  seem  to  be  very  seriously  meant — be- 
sides the  dress  a  little  foot  was  visible,  betraying  the 
listener's  presence. 

Gerald  turned  to  Danira,  who  had  not  left  her 
seat. 

"•  I  wished  to  have  a  few  minutes'  conversation 
with  Edith.     I  expected  to  find  her  here." 

"  Edith  has  a  headache,  and  will  not  make  her  Ap- 
pearance again  until  dinner  time  ;  she  does  not  wish 
to  be  disturbed  now." 

While  Danira  carelessly  delivered  the  message  she 
stepped  back  a  little,  as  if  expecting  that  the  young 
officer  would  not  heed  the  command  but  enter  in 
spite  of  it.  He  could  not  help  seeing  his  fiancee  in 
her  hiding  place,  or  fail  to  understand  that  she  was 
merely  making  it  a  little  difficult  for  him  to  obtain 
forgiveness.  Gerald  really  did  cast  a  glance  in  that 
direction,  but  instantly  drew  himself  up  and  with  a 
military  salute,  and  said  : 

"  Then  please  give  my  regards  to  her."  And  he 
left  the  room  without  even  glancing  back. 

He  had  scarcely  gone  when  Edith  appeared  from 
behind  the  door.  She  looked  more  astonished  than 
indignant,  and  evidently  could  not  understand  tlie 
rebuff  she  had  received. 

"  He  is  really  going  !  "  she  angrily  exclaimed.  "  Yet 
he  must  have  seen  that  I  was  in  the  room,  that  I  ex- 
pected him — lie  probably  did  not  wish  to  find  me." 

Danira  shrugged  her  shoulders.  "  I'm  afraid  it 
won't  be  so  easy  for  you  to  '  cure  '  tliis  man.     He  has 


DANIRA.  2S 

just  showed  you  that  he  does  not  allow  himself  to  be 
trifled  with." 

Edith  stamped  her  little  foot  on  the  ground  like  a 
naughty  child. 

"  I  told  you  he  had  a  horrible  leaven  of  the  school- 
master, but  his  very  defiance  pleased  me.  He  really 
looked  like  a  hero  when  he  drew  himself  up  in  that 
soldierly  way  and  stalked  off  with  his  spurs  clank- 
ing." 

She  saucily  tried  to  imitate  Gerald's  gait  and  bear- 
ing, but  Danira  did  not  even  smile.  Fler  tone  was 
cold  and  grave  as  she  replied  : 

"  Beware  of  that  obstinacy  ;  it  will  give  you  trou- 
ble." 


DANIEA.  25 


n. 


Neakly  three  weeks  had  passed  since  the  arrival 
of  the  regiment.  Tlie  larger  part  of  it  had  already 
gone  to  the  scene  of  the  insurrection,  but  Gerald's 
division  still  remained  in  Cattaro,  thereby  subjecting 
his  patience  to  a  severe  trial.  He  and  his  men  had 
been  ordered  to  the  citadel  overlooking  the  city,  now 
used  only  for  keeping  prisoners.  The  service  was 
therefore  very  easy,  and  the  young  officer  could  spend 
several  hours  daily  with  his  fiancee,  which  was  regu- 
larly done. 

It  was  very  earlj^  in  the  morning.  A  dense  fog 
rested  on  the  bay  and  mountains,  and  there  was  less 
bustle  than  usual  in  the  port. 

Among  the  sailors  and  laborers  already  on  the  spot 
appeared  the  figure  of  George  Moosbach,  walking  up 
and  down  in  full  uniform,  but  evidently  much  bored. 

He  had  tried  to  enter  into  conversation  Avith  one 
of  the  sailors,  but  the  latter  understood  nothing  but 
Slavonic,  and  pantomime  was  not  sufficient  to  enable 
them  to  comprehend  each  other,  so  the  attempt  ceas- 
ed. George  was  strolling  discontentedly  on,  mutter- 
ing something  about  ignorant  people  who  did  not 
even  understand  Tyrolese  German,  when  a  voice  be- 
hind him  said  : 


26  DANIRA. 

"  Surely  that's  George  from  the  Moosbach  Farm." 

The  young  soldier  started  and  turned.  Before  him 
stood  a  priest  in  the  dress  of  the  Franciscan  Order,  a 
tall  figure  with  grave,  deeply-lined  features  which, 
however,  expressed  no  sternness  ;  the  eyes,  on  the 
contrary,  had  an  unmistakable  look  of  kindness  and 
benevolence,  and  the  same  traits  were  noticeable  in 
his  voice  as  he  now  added  : 

"  How  are  you,  George,  here  in  this  foreign 
land?" 

George  had  been  on  the  point  of  jumping  for  joy 
in  a  most  disrespectful  way,  but  instead  of  doing  so 
he  stooped  and  reverently  kissed  the  priest's  hand. 

"  His  Reverence,  Father  Leonhard!  I  didn't  think 
you  would  come  here  to  the  world's  end  too.  I  sup- 
posed you  were  at  home  in  beautiful  Tyrol  among 
Christians ! " 

"  Well,  I  don't  seem  to  have  fallen  among  Pagans, 
for  the  first  person  I  have  met  in  Cattaro  proves  to 
be  one  of  my  own  parish,"  replied  the  priest,  smiling. 
"  I  arrived  yesterday  and  was  sent  to  take  the  place 
of  Father  Antonius,  who  cannot  bear  the  climate.  I 
shall  accompany  the  regiment  instead." 

The  3^oung  soldier's  face  fairly  beamed  with  delight. 

"  You  are  going  with  us,  your  reverence  ?  God  be 
praised  !  Then  we  shall  have  one  blessing  in  the 
wilderness — Krivoscia,  they  call  the  place  !  It's  such 
a  barbarous  name  that  an  honest  Tyrolese  tongue 
can't  pronounce  it.  There  is  nothing  except  stones, 
robbers  and  goats,  one  can  scarcely  get  anything  to 
eat  and  still  less  to  drink  " — George  sighed  heavily 


DANIBA.  27 

— "  and  when  a  man  lies  down  to  sleep  at  night  he 
may  happen  to  wake  with  his  iicad  split  open." 

"  Those  are  certainly  unpleasant  circumstances  ! 
But  I  hear  that  the  regiment  left  Cattaro  long  ago. 
Why  are  you  still  in  this  city?" 

"  We  have  stayed  here,  the  lieutenant,  I,  myself, 
and  fifty  men.  We  are  up  in  yonder  old  walls — the 
citadel,  they  call  it — guarding  a  few  of  the  rascals 
we've  been  lucky  enough  to  catch.  Herr  Gerald,  of 
course,  is  furious  about  it,  but  that  does  him  no  good." 

"Gerald  von  Steinach?"  asked  the  priest.  "I 
don't  believe  he  finds  it  so  hard  to  bear  the  delay, 
since  Colonel  Arlow  commands  this  garrison." 

"  I  believe  he  would  far  rather  be  up  among  the 
savages,"  said  George,  laconically. 

"  Why  ?     Isn't  his  future  wife  in  the  city  ?  " 

"  Yes.  And  he's  a  betrothed  husband,  too,  that',*? 
certain,  but — I  don't  like  the  business." 

Father  Leonhard  looked  surprised.  "  What  is  it 
you  don't  like  ?    Herr  von  Steinach's  future  wife  ?  " 

"  The  young  lady  !  "  cried  George  enthusiastically. 
"  With  all  due  respect,  she's  a  splendid  girl !  She  looks 
like  the  sunshine  itself,  and  she  can  laugh  and  play 
pranks  like  an  elf.  I'm  high  in  her  favor,  and  am 
constantly  obliged  to  tell  her  about  our  Tyrol,  where 
she  was  born.  No,  I  like  her  very  much,  your  rever- 
ence." 

"  Then  what  did  you  mean  by  your  remark  ?  " 

The  young  soldier,  much  embarrassed,  thrust  his 
hand  through  his  curly  black  hair. 

"  I  don't  know — Herr  Gerald  always  kisses   her 


28  DANIRA. 

hand  and  brings  her  flowers,  and  rides  and  drives 
with  her — ^but  I  should  treat  my  sweetheart  differ- 
ently." 

"I  believe  so,"  said  the  priest,  with  a  furtive  smile. 
"  But  in  Baron  von  Steinach's  circle  people  conduct 
courtships  in  another  fashion  from  the  wooing  at  the 
Moosbach  Farm." 

"  Very  true.  I  know  that  the  manners  of  the 
nobility  are  entirely  different  from  ours,  but  when  a 
man  is  in  love  it's  all  the  same  whether  he's  a  count 
or  a  peasant,  and  Herr  Gerald  isn't  in  love  a  bit.  In 
short — there's  a  hitch  in  the  affair,  and  sonie  reverend 
priest  must  interfere  and  set  it  to  rights  again." 

He  looked  at  Father  Leonhard  with  such  honest, 
beseeching  eyes,  that  it  was  evident  he  firmly  believ- 
ed that  a  priest  could  set  to  rights  anything  he  under- 
took.    But  Father  Leonhard  replied: 

"  No,  George,  the  young  couple  must  arrange  such 
things  themselves  ;  there  can  be  no  interference. 
They  will  learn  to  know  and  love  each  other  better. 
Gerald  von  vSteinach  is  a  man  of  excellent  character." 

"  Yes,  unluckily,  rather  too  excellent !  "  George 
excLiimed.  '' I  believe  he  never  committed  a  folly 
in  his  life,  and  peo[)le  must  do  foolish  things,  your 
reverence,  otherwise  men  wouldn't  be  men  ;  it  can't 
be  helped." 

"  You  have  certainly  given  sufficient  proof  of  that. 
Your  father  and  mother  are  anxious  about  how  their 
reckless  and  somewhat  quarrelsome  son  may  fare  in 
a  foreign  land.  I  promised  to  have  an  eye  on  you, 
but  I  think  you  have  kept  the  promise  you  made  me 


DANIBA.  29 

when  you  left.  Where  did  you  get  that  bump  on 
your  forehead  ?" 

George  hastily  raised  his  hand  to  his  head  and 
drew  down  his  cap  so  that  the  suspicious  spot  was 
covered. 

"  It  isn't  worth  mentioning.  It  was  only  in  sport, 
that  we  might  not  get  entirely  out  of  practice. 
Besides  Bartel  began ;  he  gave  me  one  blow,  but  only 
one,  and  I  dealt  him  six  in  i-eturn.  He  won't  come 
near  me  again  very  soon." 

"  George,  you  are  incorrigible  !  "  said  the  priest, 
gravely,  but  this  time  the  sinner  was  to  escape  the 
punishment  he  deserved.  Just  at  that  moment 
Gerald  appeared  on  his  way  from  the  citadel,  and, 
with  much  surprise  and  pleasure,  greeted  Father 
Leonhard,  of  whose  arrival  he  had  also  been  ignorant. 

Again  messages  and  questions  about  home  were 
exchanged,  and  when  Father  Leonhard  said  that  he 
was  going  to  call  on  the  commandant,  the  young 
officer  offered  to  accompany  him.  But  he  tarned 
back  to  ask  the  question  : 

"  Are  the  mules  ordered,  George  ?" 

"  Yes,  Herr  Lieutenant,  they'll  be  at  the  colonel's 
house  in  half  an  hour." 

"  Very  well,  I  think  the  ladies  will  be  ready  by 
that  time.  Let  me  know  when  the  animals  are 
there." 

He  walked  on,  conversing  with  the  priest,  and 
George  followed,  greatly  delighted  that  a  reverend 
ecclesiastic  was  going  witli  the  regiment  into  the 
"  wilderness,"  as  he  persisted  in  calling  Krivoscia. 


30  DANIBA, 

Spite  of  the  early  hour  the  inmates  of  the  colonel's 
household  were  awake  and  ready  for  tlie  excursion, 
which  had  been  planned  the  day  before,  except 
Edith,  who,  at  the  last  moment,  had  taken  a  dislike 
to  the  expedition.  She  thought  the  weather  too  un- 
certain, the  road  too  long,  the  ride  too  fatiguing — 
she  wanted  to  stay  at  home,  and  her  father,  instead 
of  o^jposing  this  capriciousness  by  a  word  of  author- 
ity, was  trying  remonstrances. 

"  Why,  child,  do  listen  to  reason,"  he  said. 
"What  \/ill  Gerald  think  if  you  stay  at  home? 
How  can  he  help  believing  that  his  societj'  has  no 
attraction  for  5'ou  ?  " 

"  Perhaps  it  has  as  much  as  mine  for  him,"  was 
the  defiant  retort.     "  Well,  then,  we  shall  be  quits." 

"You  had  a  little  dispute  yesterday.  I  saw  it  by 
your  faces  wlien  I  entered  the  room,  and  now  the 
poor  fellow  is  to  suffer  for  it.  Talie  care,  Edith, 
don't  strain  the  cord  too  tight,  he  is  not  over-yield- 
ing." 

"Papa,  you  love  me,  don't  you?"  The  young 
girl's  voice  had  an  unusually  bitter  tone.  "  You 
would  even  sacrifice  a  favorite  plan  for  my  sake, 
you  would  never  force  me  into  a  marriage  which " 

"  For  heaven's  sake,  what  does  this  mean  ?  "  cried 
the  colonel,  now  really  alarmed.  "  What  has  oc- 
curred between  you?" 

Instead  of  answering,  Edith  began  to  weep  so  bit- 
terly that  her  father  became  seriously  troubled. 

"  But,  my  child,  what  is  j'our  objection  to  Gerald? 
Is  he  not  an  attentive,  gallant  lover  ?     Doesn't  he 


DANIRA.  31 

gratify  all  your  wishes  ?     I  don't  understand  you." 

"  Oh!  yes,  he's  attentive  and  gallant,  and — so  icy, 
that  I  sometimes  feel  as  if  a  cold  wind  was  blowinof 
upon  me.  Danira  was  riglit  when,  looking  at  his 
picture,  she  told  me  that  he  could  not  love  and 
would  never  learn.  I  liave  never  yet  heard  one 
warm,  tender  word  from  his  lips,  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, he  plays  the  tutor  on  every  occasion,  and,  if  I 
don't  submit  patiently,  shrugs  his  shoulders  and 
smiles  compassionately,  as  we  smile  at  a  child — I'll 
bear  it  no  longer." 

The  colonel  took  the  excited  girl's  hand  and  drew 
her  toward  him. 

"  Edith,  you  know  how  much  Gerald's  mother  and 
I  desire  this  marriage,  but  you  also  know  that  I  will 
never  force  you  into  it.  Be  frank,  does  no  voice  in 
your  heart  plead  for  your  old  playfellow  ?  " 

A  traitorous  blush  crimsoned  Edith's  face  and, 
nestling  in  her  father's  arms,  she  laid  her  head  on  his 
breast. 

*'  He  doesn't  love  me  ! "  she  sobbed.  "  He  thinks 
of  nothing  but  the  campaign.  He  is  impatient  to  get 
away,  fairly  longs  to  go,  the  sooner  the  better ;  he 
doesn't  care  in  the  least  that  I  am  to  remain  be- 
hind." 

"  You  are  mistaken,"  replied  Colonel  Arlow 
gravely,  but  with  perfect  sincerity.  "  Gerald  might 
be  a  little  less  of  a  soldier  and  more  of  a  lover,  I  ad- 
mit, but  you  ought  not  to  doubt  his  affection.  Pas- 
sionate impetuosity  is  not  one  of  his  traits  of  charac- 
ter, but  the  better  I  know  his  character,  the  more 


32  DANIRA. 

security  it  affords  for  your  future  happiness.     Have 

you  ever  really  tried  to  win   him  ?     I   do  not  think 

»> 

so. 

Edith  raised  her  head — she  was  evidently  very 
willing  to  be  persuaded — and  asked  in  a  low  tone  : 

"  You  mean,  papa  ?  " 

"  I  mean  that  Gerald  has  hitherto  known  much 
more  of  your  caprices  than  of  your  attractions.  Can 
not  my  little  Edith  succeed  in  striking  a  spark  from 
the  flint  if  she  tries  the  other  method  ?  She  always 
knows  how  to  get  her  own  way.  Now  go,  my  child, 
and  dress  for  the  ride  ;  meantime  I'll  have  a  word  to 
say  to  the  lieutenant ;  he  has  no  suspicion  of  your  in- 
terpretation of  his  military  zeal." 

This  time  the  young  lady  found  it  advisable  to 
obey  the  request.  A  smile  was  already  breaking 
through  her  tears,  for  Gerald's  voice  was  heard  in 
the  ante-room. 

"  There  he  is,"  she  whispered.  "  Don't  tell  him 
I've  been  crying,  papa,"  and  ■uSthout  waiting  for  a 
reply  she  glided  out  of  the  room. 

The  colonel  smilingly  shook  his  head;  his  mind 
was  now  relieved  concerning  his  daughter's  aversion 
to  her  proposed  bridegroom,  but  he  could  find  no  op- 
portunity to  "  say  his  word  "  to  the  latter,  for  Gerald 
entered  with  Father  Leonhard,  whom  he  introduced 
to  the  commandant. 

The  fog  was  beginning  to  scatter  when  tlie  little 
party  of  riders  left  the  city.  They  passed  the  fortifi- 
cation walls  and  the  citadel  frowning  on  its  cliff,  and 
entered  the  open  country.     The  object  of  the  day's 


DANIRA.  33 

excursion  wfis  a  visit  to  a  fort  situated  on  a  steep 
mountain  several  hours'  journey  away,  whose  com- 
manding position  afforded  a  wide  and  magnificent 
view.  They  intended  to  avail  themselves  of  the  op- 
portunity to  pay  tlie  commanding  officer  a  short  call, 
for  the  order  excluding  strangers,  of  course,  did  not 
apply  to  Colonel  Arlow's  prospective  son-in-law.  The 
colonel  himself  was  detained  in  the  city  by  his  mili- 
tary duties,  so  Gerald  accompanied  the  two  ladies. 

The  mountain  road,  used  principally  for  military 
purposes,  and  therefore  extremely  well  kept,  began 
just  outside  of  the  city.  At  first  trees  and  bushes 
appeared  on  both  sides,  but  soon  everything  green 
vanished,  and  the  road  led  upward  in  countless  wind- 
ings through  desolate,  rocky  heights. 

The  dense,  heavy  curtain  of  clouds,  which  at  dawn 
had  concealed  the  whole  landscape,  began  to  grow 
thinner  and  tliiniier  till  it  became  a  transparent  veil, 
and  finally  melted  away  in  blue  vapor.  The  bay  and 
its  shores  sank  lower  and  lower,  and  the  mountains 
seemed  higher  and  more  rugged,  the  nearer  the  party 
approached  them.  Edith's  moods  that  day  perfectly 
justified  the  term  "  April  weather."  The  shower  of 
the  morning  was  followed  by  briglit  sunshine.  No 
one  would  have  supj^osed  that  the  sparkling,  laugh- 
ing eyes  had  shed  tears  an  hour  before.  The  dainty 
figure  in  the  dark-blue  riding  habit  sat  the  mule 
lightly  and  gracefully,  and  looked  as  fresh  and  sunny 
as  the  day  struggling  victoriously  through  the  mists. 

Edith  had  either  taken  her  father's  admonition  to 

heart  or  actually  determined  to  strike  fire  from  the 
3  ^ 


34  DANIRA. 

flint,  for  she  was  so  bewitchingly  engaging  that  even 
Gerald's  cool  composure  was  not  proof  against  it. 
He  must  indeed  have  been  stone  to  remain  unmoved 
by  such  a  sparkling  flow  of  jests  and  witticisms. 
The  smile  that  so  well  suited  his  grave  features,  yet 
so  rarely  visited  them,  became  more  and  more  fre- 
quent, and,  contrary  to  his  usual  custom,  he  allowed 
himself  to  be  completely  enthralled"by  the  gay  spirits 
of  his  ficmcee. 

While  the  young  couple  rode  forward  on  the  best 
terms  with  each  other,  Danira  followed  more  slowly. 
As  if  by  accident,  she  kept  her  mule  a  few  steps  be- 
hind, and  the  distance  between  her  and  the  two 
others  imperceptibly  increased.  The  rear  of  the 
little  cavalcade  was  closed  by  George,  who  trotted 
comfortably  along,  thinking  how  foolish  his  lieuten- 
ant was  to  long  to  be  in  the  midst  of  the  campaign, 
where  they  would  be  obliged  to  march  in  the  dust 
and  heat,  instead  of  riding  at  their  ease  on  mules. 

They  had  gone  about  half  way  when  they  met  a 
solitary  horseman.  He  wore  the  picturesque  dress  of 
the  mountain  tribes  of  the  country,  a  costume  admir- 
ably suited  to  the  vigorous  frame  and  dark  com- 
plexion of  a  man  already  past  liis  youth.  His  rich 
garments  and  the  small  but  spirited  mountain  horse, 
with  its  shining  brown  coat  and  gay  trappings,  showed 
that  he  was  a  rich  and  distinguished  person  in  his 
tribe,  and  moreover  he  was  attended  by  a  servant  or 
subaltern,  who  also  wore  the  costume  of  the  country, 
but  was  on  foot. 

The  two  men  had  come  down  a  steep  path  which 


DANIRA.  35 

met  the  mountain  road  at  this  point,  and  in  a  narrow 
curve  of  the  hitter  encountered  Gerald  and  Edith. 
The  stranger  stopped  his  horse  to  let  tliem  pass,  and 
made  a  haughty,  dignified  bow,  though  his  eyes 
rested  with  a  hostile  gaze  on  the  young  officer. ' 
Gerald  returned  it  with  a  military  salute,  and  Edith, 
pleased  with  the  stately  mountaineer,  bent  her  head 
courteously. 

They  were  some  distance  in  advance  when  Danira 
passed  the  spot.  The  stranger  still  sat  motionless 
on  his  horse,  but  the  young  girl's  mule  suddenly 
stumbled,  then  reared  and  made  a  spring  toward  the 
cliffs.  It  was  a  perilous  moment,  but  the  horseman 
seized  the  animal's  bridle  with  a  firm  grasp.  While 
doing  so  he  murmured  a  few  words  in  the  Slavonic 
tongue.  Danira  answered  in  the  same  language, 
probably  an  expression  of  thanks  for  the  service  ren- 
dered. The  animals  remained  side  by  side  a  short 
time,  while  the  stranger  continued  talking — not  until 
George  came  up  did  he  release  the  bridle  with  a 
brief  farewell,  and  Danira  then  rode  on. 

Gerald  and  Edith  had  turned  and  watched  the 
scene.  There  was  no  occasion  for  anxietj^,  as  the 
rider  kept  a  firm  seat  in  the  saddle,  yet  they  waited. 

"See,  Danira  has  found  a  cavalier  on  the  high- 
road ! "  said  Edith,  laughing.  "Her  countrymen 
are  pot  usually  ready  to  pay  polite  attentions  to 
ladies ;  this  seems  to  be  an  exceptional  case." 

"  It  is  unusual,  too ,  for  a  quiet,  steady  mule  to 
stumble  on  a  smooth  road,"  replied  Gerald,  without 
averting  his  eyes  from  the  group.     "  I  don't  under- 


36  DANIRA. 

stand  how  it  could  have  occurred.    The  animal  must 
have  been  irritated." 

"  Here  you  are  !  What  has  happened  ?  "  Edith 
called  to  her  foster  sister,  who  had  remained  per- 
fectly undisturbed  by  the  little  incident,  and  now 
answered  quietly: 

"  I  don't  know  ;  something  must  have  frightened 
the  beast." 

"  Did  you  know  that  man,  Fraiilein  Danira.?  " 
asked  Gerald. 

"  No  ;  I  was  merely  thanking  him  for  his  assist 
ance." 

The  answered  sound  positive  and  repellant,  as 
though  she  wished  to  prevent  any  more  questions. 
The  young  officer  remained  silent,  but  cast  a  keen 
glance  at  the  spot  where  the  stranger  was  just  disap- 
pearing around  a  curve  in  the  road.  Edith,  however, 
asked  with  curiosity  : 

"  Did  you  know  him,  Gerald  ?  " 

"  Certainly.  It  was  Joan  Obrevic,  the  chief  of 
one  of  the  principal  mountain  tribes,  who,  though  he 
has  not  yet  openly  declared  war  against  us,  is  only 
waiting  for  the  signal  to  join  the  insurrection.  He  has 
been  in  Cattaro  several  days,  ostensibly  to  make  ne- 
gotiations, and,  unfortunately,  has  not  been  sent  off 
without  ceremony." 

"  Unfortunately  ?  "  Danira  repeated.  "  You  seem 
to  regret  it.  Baron  von  Steinach." 

"  Certainly,  for  I  believe  the  whole  affair  is  merely 
a  pretext  to  gain  time  or  conceal  efforts  in  another 
direction.     Joan  Obrevic  has  reason  to  remain  pas- 


DANIRA.  37 

sive  for  the  present — his  son  is  a  prisoner  in  our 
hands.  This  son  was  one  of  the  first  to  resist  the 
attempt  to  force  him  into  the  military  service,  and 
unceremoniously  shot  the  officer  who  commanded  the 
detachment.  This  was  the  beginning  of  the  bloody 
scenes  which  have  since  been  so  frequently  re- 
peated, but  we  at  last  succeeded  in  securing  the 
assassin." 

"  The  assassin — ^because  he  defended  his  liberty  ?  " 

"  Because  he  treacherously  shot  the  officer  who 
stood  quietly  talking  with  him,  expecting  no  attack — 
in  civilized  nations  that  is  called  assassination, 
Fraiilein  ! " 

Question  and  answer  were  equally  sharp  in  tone, 
but  Edith,  who  had  been  listening  impatiently,  now 
interposed. 

"Dear  me,  do  stop  these  political  and  military 
discussions  !  I'll  make  George  my  cavalier  ;  he  will 
at  least  try  to  entertain  me,  and  not  bore  me  with 
accounts  of  the  in.sunectioii." 

The  threat  was  probably  not  seriously  meant,  but 
Gerald  seemed  to  understand  it  so,  for  he  answered 
coldly : 

"  If  you  prefer  George's  company  to  mine  I  must 
of  course  submit." 

Again  that  shrug  of  the  shoulders  and  compas- 
sionate smile,  which  always  enraged  her.  They  did 
not  fail  to  produce  their  effect  to-day.  She  hastily 
drew  bridle,  turned,  and  called  loudly : 

"  George,  come  here  !  We'll  ride  on  before." 

With  these  words  she  turned  into  a  steep  path 
that  saved  a  long  bend  of  the  mountain  road. 


S8  DANIRA. 

George  did  not  wait  to  be  asked  twice.  He 
quickly  put  his  mule  into  a  trot  and.  overtook  her  the 
next  instant. 

A  very  familiar  relation  had  already  been  formed 
between  him  and  the  young  lady.  Edith  liked  the 
somewhat  rough  but  comical  and  zealous  fellow,  saw 
in  him  her  lover's  former  play-fellow  rather  than  his 
subaltern,  and  had  instantly  granted  liis  entreaty 
that  she  would  address  him  with  the  "Du"  used  in 
his  native  Tyrol.  George,  on  his  side,  was  not  a 
little  proud  of  this  confidential  position,  and  felt  an 
even  more  enthusiastic  admiration  for  his  lieuten- 
ant's fiancee  than  for  tlie  lieutenant  himself. 

They  rode  up  the  mountain  for  about  ten  minutes, 
then  reached  the  main  road  again,  and  were  now  far 
ahead  of  the  others.  Edith  stopped  her  mule,  and 
George  did  the  same. 

"  I  suppose  we  are  to  wait  here  for  the  lieuten- 
ant? "  he  asked. 

The  young  lady  cast  a  glance  backward.  Her 
anger  had  already  vanished,  but  she  wanted  to  pun- 
ish Gerald  for  his  lack  of  gallantry  by  compelling 
him  to  ride  with  Danira. 

She  knew  that  he  had  a  positive  aversion  to  her 
foster  sister  and  that  the  feeling  was  mutual,  for  he 
and  Danira  avoided  each  other  whenever  they  could. 
So  Edith  found  much  amusement  in  the  idea  of  the 
vexation  of  both,  if  they  were  condemned  to  a  longer 
tete-d-tete. 

"  No,  George,"  she  said.  "  As  we  are  in  advance, 
we'll  get  to  the  fort  first — that  is,  if  you'll  go  with 
me. 


DANIBA.  39 

"  I,  Fiaiileiu — to  Krivoscia,  if  you  order  me  I  "  ex- 
claimed George,  whose  tongue  always  seemed  to  have 
an  attack  of  cramp  whenever  he  uttered  the  ominous 
^\■ord. 

''  Well,  we  won't  go  quite  so  far  to-day,  but  I  know 
how  to  appreciate  this  proof  of  your  devotion.  In 
5^our  eyes,  Krivoscia  is  the  incarnation  of  everything 
horrible.  So  much  the  better.  You  won't  run  the 
risk  of  carrying  home  one  of  the  Krivoscian  girls  and 
making  her  the  future  mistress  of  the  Moosbach 
Farm." 

The  young  Tyrolese,  in  his  horror,  dropped  the 
mule's  bridle  and  crossed  himself. 

"  St.  George  forbid  !  I  should  first  have  to  lose  my 
senses  and  my  head  to  boot.  I  believe  my  father 
would  leave  the  wliole  farm  to  the  monastery  if  I 
should  bring  home  such  a  savage,  and  he  would  do 
right." 

"  Your  father  of  course  expects  you  to  bring  him 
one  of  the  Tyrolese  girls  for  a  daughter-in-law  ?  " 

"  No  one  else  would  ever  suit  ! ''  replied  George 
solemnly,  "  No  other  girls  can  compare  with  those 
in  the  Tyrol.  They  are  better  than  all  the  rest  in 
the  world  put  together." 

"  I'm  quite  of  your  opinion,  especially  as  I'm  a 
Tyrolese  lass  myself,  and  who  knows — if  I  were  not 
already  betrothed,  I  might  have  a  clianee  of  being 
mistress  of  the  Moosbach  Farm." 

"  Yes,  that  might  do !  "  said  George,  honestly. 
"  I  should  have  no  objection,  I'd  take  you  on  the 
ypot,  Fraiilein  --but  it  can't  be." 


40  DANIRA. 

Edith  burst  into  a  merry  laugh.  "  No,  it  certainl} 
can't  be,  but  your  offer  is  very  flattering  to  me,  and 
I  will  consider  it  seriously.  Now  let  us  ride  on,  the 
animals  have  rested  long  enough."  She  urged  hci 
mule  forward  and  George  followed.  He  respectfully 
remained  a  few  paces  behind  the  young  lady,  but 
could  not  help  feeling  a  little  regret  tliat  "  it  couldn't 
be." 

Meantime  Gerald  and  Danira  pursued  their  way 
alone.  The  latter,  it  is  true,  had  paused  a  moment 
and  asked  :  "  Shall  not  Ave  follow  ?  " 

"  I  think  not,"  replied  Gerald,  so  coolly  that  it  was 
evident  he  did  not  feel  at  all  inclined  to  submit  to 
his  fiancSes  whim.  "  The  path  is  steep  and  stony. 
I  at  least  prefer  to  ride  along  the  comfortable  road." 

"  And  give  Edith  a  lesson,"  Danira  added  in  a  low 
tone. 

"  Edith  -must  learn  to  take  more  interest  in  my 
profession  ;  that  is  essential  in  a  soldier's  wife." 

"  Certainly.  I  only  fear  that,  with  this  mode  of 
teaching,  you  will  accomplish  nothing." 

"  Why  not  ?  Edith  Is  still  half  a  child,  and  chil- 
dren must  be  taught.  Yet,  if  you  desire  to  give  me 
any  advice  on  this  pomt,  I  shall  be  grateful."  There 
was  unconcealed  mockery  in  this  appeal  for  counsel 
to  the  girl  of  seventeen,  but  the  cold,  sullen  glance 
that  answered  the  scoff  showed  that  it  Jiad  failed  to 
reach  its  mark.  The  young  Slav  was  no  longer  a 
child;  the  dark  shadow  on  her  brow  betrayed  how  far 
she  had  already  advanced  into  womanliood. 

"  Edith  can  be  influenced  in  only  one  way,"  she 


DAN  IRA.  41 

replied.  "  Then  she  can  be  swayed  completely — but 
the  appeal  must  be  made  to  her  heart." 

"And  you  think  I  have  not  understood  that?" 

"You  have  apparently  not  desired  to  do  so.  The 
tutor  will  gain  nothing  from  this  spoiled  child — the 
lover  everj-thing." 

Gerald  bit  his  lips ;  he  felt  the  justice  of  tliis  re- 
proach, but  he  also  felt  a  touch  of  Edith's  irritability 
when  she  was  reproved.  Now  it  was  his  turn,  and  he 
could  not  even  find  a  fitting  answer. 

As  they  approached  the  summit  of  the  mountain 
the  road  began  to  ascend  in  steeper  curves.  Danira 
rode  close  to  the  edge  ;  though  her  mule  had  just 
shown  its  untrustworthiness,  she  seemed  perfectly 
fearless.  Gerald  could  not  help  noticing  how  steadily 
the  animal  now  trod  upon  the  loose  stones,  and  how 
firmly  the  slender  hand  held  the  bridle  ;  she  evident- 
ly had  perfect  control  of  the  beast,  so  the  incident 
appeared  all  the  more  incomprehensible. 

They  had  just  reached  a  broader,  rocky  projection, 
when  Danira  suddenly  drew  rein  and  bent  down  to 
her  saddle. 

"Has  anything  happened?  "  asked  Gerald,  whose 
attention  was  attracted. 

"  Nothing  of  any  importance.  Something  about 
the  saddle  must  have  been  disarranged  by  the  mule's 
sudden  jump.     I  did  not  notice  it  until  now." 

The  young  officer  instantly  stopped  and  dismount- 
ed, but  his  companion  swung  herself  out  of  the  saddle 
so  quickly  that  she  was  already  standing  on  the 
ground  when  he  approached.   He  saw  that  she  wished 


42  BAN  IRA. 

to  avoid  his  assistance,  and  therefore,  without  a  word, 
instantly  turned  to  the  animal.  The  damage  was 
trifling ;  the  saddle-girth  had  loosened.  Gerald  tight- 
ened it  again,  and  then  straightening  himself,  said : 

"  I  think  we  will  let  the  mules  rest  a  little.  They 
have  had  a  sharp  climb,  and  the  fort  is  still  some 
distance  off." 

He  knotted  the  bridles  loosely  together,  and  then 
stepped  out  upon  the  point,  where  Danira  was  already 
standing,  gazing  into  the  distance. 

The  landscape  they  beheld  was  both  magnificent 
and  peculiar,  a  picture  whose  wide  frame  contained 
the  most  abrupt  contrasts.  Desolate  rocky  wastes, 
and  green,  smiling  shores,  white  hamlets  glimmering 
in  the  brightest  sunshine,  and  gloomy  ravines  where 
scarcely  a  ray  of  light  penetrated,  the  luxuriance 
of  the  south  and  the  rude  solitude  of  tlie  north,  but 
all  lay  as  if  transfigured  in  the  clear,  golden  radiance 
of  the  morning. 

Yonder  appeared  the  city,  with  its  harbor  and 
citadel,  picturesquely  located  on  the  coast,  and 
beyond  the  rocks,  bare  dark-gray  stone,  towering 
higher  and  higher,  growing  more  and  more  desolate, 
till  they  at  last  ended  in  jagged,  riven  peaks.  Far 
below  gleamed  the  bay  in  its  strange,  curving  out- 
lines, wliich  sometimes  seemed  to  seek  and  meet  each 
other,  then  to  recede  far  asunder.  The  surface  of 
the  water  flashed  under  the  rays  of  the  sun  like  a 
glittering  metal  mirror,  and  the  same  tide  lay  black 
and  motionless  in  the  shadow  of  the  lofty  cliffs,  which 
actually  rose  out  of  it,  and  whose  steep  sides  were 
washed  by  the  waves. 


DAN  IRA.  43 

But  the  eye  roved  over  rocks  and  waters  to  the 
open  sea.  Yonder  on  the  horizon  it  gleamed,  mist- 
veiled,  sun-illumined,  the  blue  expanse  seeming  to 
stretch  into  infinite  distance,  for  at  the  point  where 
sea  and  sky  met  it  blended  with  the  deep  azure  hue 
of  the  heavens,  arching  above  the  earth  in  all  the 
radiant,  glittering  splendor  of  the  south. 

Gerald's  gaze  rested  fixedly  on  this  magnificent 
view,  whose  varied  charms  enthralled  him.  At  last 
he  turned  to  his  companion,  but  she  did  not  notice  it. 
Her  eyes,  looking  dreamily  into  the  distance,  were 
now  fixed  on  the  mountain  peaks  of  her  home,  loom- 
ing dimly  through  the  mists.  The  girl  herself  stood 
like  a  dark  enigma  amid  the  surroundings  into  which 
fate  had  cast  her.  The  cold,  expressionless  face,  and 
the  fire  lurking  in  the  depths  of  her  dark  eyes,  the 
delicate,  youthful  features,  and  the  stern  aspect  that 
robbed  them  of  all  youth,  were  as  contradictory  as 
the  country  of  her  birth. 

Perhaps  this  very  contrast  attracted  the  young 
officer.  This  girl  was  certainly  a  different  creature 
from  the  blonde  Edith,  with  her  rosy,  laughing  face, 
around  which  the  blue  veil  fluttered  so  coquettishly. 
Danira's  black  habit  was  wholly  devoid  of  ornament, 
and  the  little  black  hat,  which  did  not  half  cover  the 
heavy  braids  was  equally  simple.  The  slender  yet 
vigorous  figure,  it  is  true,  showed  perfect  symmetry 
of  outline,  and  the  regular  features  seemed  chiselled 
in  marble,  but  the  sunshine  flooding  the  girlish  form 
appeared  to  be  repelled  ;  she  had  something  of  shadow 
in  her  nature  which  only  became  more  conspicuous 
in  a  bright  light 


44  DANIRA. 

Danira  must  have  felt  the  searching  glance  resting 
upon  her,  for  she  suddenly  turned,  and  pointing  to 
the  distant  landscape,  said : 

"  There  is  a  symbol  of  our  country !  I  think  it 
can  bear  comparison  even  with  your  home." 

"  Certainly,  and  it  has  an  added  charm — the  superb 
background  of  the  sea.  The  country  is  beautiful,  if 
'    only  it  did  not  contain  so  many  enigmas." 

"  Why,  you  are  just  on  the  verge  of  solving  them 
all.  There  is  not  a  ravine,  not  a  rock-bound  prov- 
ince which  has  not  been  penetrated  by  your  troops ; 
the  people  know  how  to  tell  them." 

"  At  least  we  shall  know  our  friends  from  our  foes^ 
and  I  think  we  have  a  right  to  ask  that  question." 

The  words  sounded  so  significant  that  Danira's  at- 
tention was  attracted.  She  cast  a  quick,  inquiring 
glance  at  the  young  ofiQcer's  face,  and  replied  curtly 
and  coldly : 

"Ask,  then." 

"SujDpose  I  should  be  obliged  to  commence  here 
with  the  query :  '  AVhere  did  you  make  Joan  Obre- 
vic's  acquaintance  ? '  " 

"  I  have  already  told  you  that  he  is  a  stranger  to 
me." 

"  Yes,  you  said  so,  but  I  don't  believe  it." 

Danira  drew  herself  up  proudly.  "  Baron  voiv 
Steinach,  I  must  beg  you  not  to  extend  your  educa- 
tional efforts  to  me  ;  I  am  not  Edith." 

"But  you  are  the  commandant's  adopted  daughtei 
and  enjoy  the  rights  of  a  eiiild  in  his  lionschold.  1 
must  }-emind  you  of  the  fact,  since  you  seem  to  havo 
forgotten  it.' 


D  ANTRA.  45 

The  young  girl  turned  pale  and  was  in  the  act  of 
making  a  hasty  reply,  but,  as  though  warned  by 
some  sudden  recollection,  controlled  herself.  Yet  a 
contemptuous  expression  hovered  around  her  lips  as 
she  replied : 

"  At  least,  until  now,  the  commandant's  house  has 
been  free  from — spies." 

Gerald  started  as  if  he  had  received  a  blow,  his 
face  flushed  crimson  and  his  hand  involuntarily 
grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword.  No  one  would  have 
supposed  that  his  clear  eyes  could  blaze  with  so 
fierce  a  fire  as  at  that  moment,  and  his  voice,  usually 
so  calm,  sounded  hollow  and  half  stifled. 

"  That  word  came  from  a  woman's  lips.  Had  a  man 
dared  to  so  insult  me,  I  should  have  had  but  one 
answer  for  him." 

Probably  Danira  had  not  expected  her  thoughtless 
words  to  produce  such  an  effect,  but  she  was  evi- 
dently more  surprised  than  alarmed  by  the  sudden 
outbreak.  So  this  man  must  be  irritated,  stung  to 
the  quick,  ere  sparks  would  flash  from  the  flint.  She 
almost  felt  a  secret  satisfaction  in  having  accom- 
plished this,  but  now  also  realized  the  full  force  of 
the  offence.  Her  eyes  dropped,  and  she  answered  in 
a  low  tone : 

"  I  was  insulted  first — I  have  no  weapon  of  de- 
fence except  my  tongue." 

Gerald  had  already  recovered  his  composure.  He 
seemed  to  repent  the  ebullition  of  rage  and  resumed 
his  usual  quiet  manner,  though  with  a  shade  of  icy 
reserve. 


46  DAN  IRA. 

"  I  fear  I  sliall  be  obliged  to  give  you  back  the 
evil  name.  Listen  to  me  quietly,  Fraiilein,"  he  ad- 
*ded,  as  she  made  an  angry  gesture.  "  The  subject 
must  be  mentioned  between  us.  1  prefer  to  ap- 
ply first  to  you  and,  as  we  are  alone  here,  it  can  be 
done  at  once." 

The  words  sounded  somewhat  mysterious,  but 
Danira  seemed  to  understand  them,  for  she  request- 
ed no  explanation.  Yet  her  eyes  no  longer  avoided 
the  gaze  of  her  foe,  but  met  it  firmly  and  fearlessly  ; 
she  was  ready  for  battle. 

"  A  week  ago  I  was  obliged  to  take  to  the  com- 
mandant in  person  a  report  that  admitted  no  delay," 
Gerald  continued.  "  Leaving  the  citadel  at  a  very 
early  hour  in  the  morning,  I  went  to  tlie  city  alone 
on  foot.  I  suppose  you  know  the  little  house,  occu- 
pied by  Slavonic  fishermen,  which  stands  somewhat 
off  the  road ;  I  need  not  describe  it  to  you.  Day  had 
not  quite  dawned  when  I  reached  the  spot.  Just  at 
that  moment  the  door  opened  and  two  persons  came 
out.  A  man — not  Joan  Obrevic,  but  a  slender  youth, 
who,  like  him,  wore  the  costume  of  the  country — and 
a  lady  whom,  in  spite  of  the  gray  dusk,  I  distinctly  re- 
cognized. How  she  had  succeeded  in  passing  through 
the  city  gates,  which  at  night  open  only  to  the  watch- 
word, I  do  not  know,  nor  how  she  returned  again. 
The  pair  took  a  very  familiar  leave  of  each  other, 
then  one  walked  in  the  direction  of  the  city,  the  othei 
went  toward  the  mountains,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
both  vanished  in  the  fog.  But  no  one  had  passed 
tlirough  the  gates  that  night,  I  was  the  first  person 
for  whom  they  were  opened.' 


DANIRA.  47 

He  paused  as  if  for  an  answer;  but  none  came. 
The  girl  remained  silent  and  did  not  even  attempt 
to  defend  herself.  The  young  officer  had  probably 
expected  something  of  the  sort.  His  face  darkened 
still  more  and  there  was  an  accent  of  scorn  in 
his  voice  as  he  continued  : 

''  Of  coarse  I  have  no  right  to  meddle  with  love 
affairs,  but  I  have  every  reason  to  suppose  that  the 
relation  is  here  abused  to  forward  very  different 
plans.  A  few  days  after  this  incident,  Joan  Obrevic 
appeared  in  the  city.  He,  too,  frequents  that  house, 
and  probably  also  receives  reports  there  from  persons 
most  closely  associated  with  the  commandant.  His 
younger  comrade  doubtless  merely  opened  the  path 
he  is  now  following.  I,  at  least,  do  not  believe  in 
the  farce  of  negotiations  which  he  alleges  as  the  mo* 
tive  for  his  stay." 

Again  a  pause  ensued.  Danira  still  persisted  in 
her  silence,  though  evidently  most  deeply  wounded 
by  the  speaker's  glance  and  tone.  Her  face  seemed 
to  grow  actually  livid  in  its  pallor,  and  her  bosom 
heaved  with  her  gasping  breath,  but  her  lips  were 
firmly  closed  as  if  to  force  back  any  words. 

"  So  you  refuse  me  an}'  explanation,"  Gerald  be- 
gan again.  "  Then  of  course  I  see  my  fears  confirmed. 
You  can  understand  that  I  cannot  take  delicacy  into 
account  wliere  our  safety  is  at  stake.  I  shall  inform 
the  colonel  that  he  is  being  betrayed  by  a  member  of 
his  own  household,  and  at  the  same  time  beg  him  if 
possible  to  keep  the  matter  from  Edith.  I  should  not 
like  to  have  my  yonng  fiancc'e  learn  at  what  an  hour 


48  BAN  IRA. 

and  place  her  adopted  sister  receives  a  stranger 
^vho " 

He  did  not  finish  the  sentence,  for  Danira  inter- 
rupted him.  Now  she  at  last  found  words,  but  they 
sounded  like  the  outcry  of  a  tortured  prisoner  who 
can  no  longer  endure  the  rack. 

"  No  more  !  Spare  your  insults.  You  are  speak- 
ing of — my  brother." 

She  hurled  the  word  at  him  so  passionately,  yet 
with  such  convincing  truth  that  doubt  was  impossi- 
ble. Nor  did  Gerald  doubt,  but  he  seemed  fairly 
stunned  by  the  unexpected  disclosure,  and  almost 
mechanically  repeated  : 

"  Your  brother  ?  " 

"  Stephan  Hersovac — yes  !  I  saw  and  talked  with 
him  that  night  ;  with  him  and  no  one  else." 

Gerald  involuntarily  uttered  a  sigh  of  relief.  He 
did  not  know  himself  why  a  load  suddenly  seemed  to 
fall  from  his  breast.  The  worst  fact,  the  treachery 
still  existed  ;  but  he  had  a  vague  feeling  tliat  he  could 
forgive  even  this  sooner  than  the  other,  which  had 
aroused  his  contempt. 

"  Then,  of  course,  I  beg  your  j^ardon,"  he  said.  "  I 
could  not  possibly  suspect  that  a  brother  and  sister 
would  surround  their  meetings  with  such  secrecy." 

"  Is  it  my  fault  that  my  brother  dares  not  venture 
to  approach  me  openly?"  asked  Danira  sullenly. 
*'  He  was  implicated  in  the  affair  wliich  delivered 
young  Obrevic  into  j^our  hands  ;  the  same  fate 
threatens  hiin  if  he  sliows  himself  here." 

"  Yet  he  ventures  into  the   immediate  vicinity  of 


DANIRA.  49 

the  city.  Was  that  really  clone  only  to  see  a  sister 
who  has  become  so  much  a  stranger  to  him,  for  whom 
he  has  never  inquired,  about  whom  he  has  never 
troubled  himself  ?  " 

Gerald's  tone  was  very  different  from  before,  but 
he  had  retahied  the  same  earnestness,  and  the  look 
which  strove  to  read  the  young  girl's  features  was  so 
grave  and  searching  that  she  shrank  from  it. 

"  Baron  von  Steinach,"  she  said,  in  a  hurried,  anx- 
ious tone,  "  I  have  betrayed  my  secret  to  you  against 
my  will  ;  you  understood  how  to  drive  me  to  extrem- 
ities, but  you  will  take  no  unfair  advantage  of  a  con- 
fession wrung  from  me  in  a  moment  of  excitement. 
You  will  say  nothing?" 

"First  convince  me  that  I  can  keep  silence  without 
violating  my  duty.  We  stand  on  the  brink  of  a 
volcano  ;  hatred  and  hostility  everywhere  confront 
us ;  we  must  be  watchful.  I  have  done  you  in- 
justice once,  Fraiilein,  and  should  not  like  to  do  so  a 
second  time,  but — can  you  answer  to  the  man  to 
whom  you  owe  so  much  for  what  was  agreed  upon 
that  night  between  you  and  your  brother?  " 

"  To  whom  I  owe  the  slavery  of  my  whole  youth  ? 
I  suppose  you  are  speaking  of  Colonel  Arlow  ?  " 

The  words  sounded  so  cutting  that  the  young  of- 
ficer frowned  angrily,  and  his  voice  regained  its 
former  harsh  tone  as  he  replied  : 

"  Though  Colonel  Arlow  feels  your  coldness  to  him 

and  Edith,  he  probably  never  suspected  the  existence 

of  such  an  idea  in  the  mind  of  his  adopted  daughter, 

nor  has  he  deserved  such  a  return  for  his  kindness 

in  giving  a  shelter  to  two  deserted  orphans." 
4 


50  DANIRA. 

The  reproach  only  seemed  to  irritate  Dauh-a  still 
more.     A  threatening  light  flashed  in  lier  eyes. 

"  And  who  made  us  orphans  ?  Who  killed  our 
father  ?  He  was  dragged  here  mortally  wounded,  to 
die  in  prison ;  my  mother  caught  her  death  in  the 
fever-laden  air  of  the  hospital,  and  the  children  were 
to  be  reared  and  educated  by  those  who  had  robbed 
them  of  their  parents.  We  were  not  consulted  when 
we  were  torn  from  our  people,  our  home;  we  were 
disposed  of  like  soulless  brutes.  My  brother  was 
spared  this  fate  ;  he  was  carried  back  to  our  native 
mountains.  I  remained  among  strangers,  as  a 
stranger,  whose  presence  was  tolerated  beside  the 
beloved  and  idolized  child  of  the  household.  They 
robbed  me  of  everything — country,  parents,  friends 
— and  gave  me  in  return  the  wretched  alms  of  an 
education  which  only  made  rne  miserable,  for  it  never 
filled  tlie  deep  gulf  that  separated  me  from  them  in 
every  thought  and  feeling,  never  let  me  forget  that 
I  am  of  a  different  race.  I  remained  in  chains,  be- 
cause I  was  forced  to  do  so,  yet  I  felt  them  when 
still  a  child,  hated  them  from  the  moment  I  first 
waked  to  the  consciousness  of  their  existence.  Now 
my  own  kindred  summon  me,  I  cannot,  will  not 
wear  the  fetters  longer.  I  throw  them  at  your  feet. 
I  will  be  free  at  last." 

She  had  at  first  spoken  with  repressed  bitterness, 
but  soon  her  language  rose  to  a  passionate  vehemence 
that  forgot  every  precaution,  swept  away  every 
barrier.  Her  pallid  face  flushed  crimson  as  the  hot 
blood  suffused  her  temples  ;  her  whole  frame  trembled 


VANIBA.  5X 

with  her  terrible  excitement ;  a  demon  seemed  to 
have  suddenly  taken  possession  of  the  young  girl. 

But  there  was  also  a  demoniac  charm  surrounding 
her  which  was  felt  even  by  Gerald,  whose  eyes 
rested  upon  this  apparition  as  if  spell-bound. 
Hitherto  he  had  only  known  her  cold,  reserved,  mys- 
terious ;  now  the  veil  was  rent  asunder,  and  he  saw 
the  real  person — the  free  daughter  of  the  mountains, 
in  her  primal  fierceness,  which  no  education,  no  habit 
had  curbed. 

In  a  single  moment  she  had  flung;  aside  the  fetters 
worn  for  years,  and  risen  triumphant  and  threaten- 
iuff  against  her  former  benefactor.  Yet,  notwith- 
standing  all  this,  the  girl  was  beautiful,  bewitchingly 
beautiful  in  this  storm  of  passion.  She  stood  proudly 
erect,  with  flaming  eyes ;  doubtless  they  still  con- 
tained the  gloom  of  tempestuous  nights,  but  now 
this  darkness  was  filled  with  darting  flashes  of 
lightning. 

Just  at  that  moment,  from  the  heights  above,  a 
shout  echoed  distinctly  through  the  clear,  still  air. 
There  stood  Edith,  who  had  already  reached  the  end 
of  their  ride,  and  her  companion.  She  waved  her 
'handkerchief  and  called  merrily  to  the  laggards. 

Gerald  started  as  if  waking  from  a  dream,  and 
hastily  passed  his  hand  over  his  forehead,  as  though 
trj'ing  to  efface  some  mark  there. 

"Edith  is  reminding  us  to  start,"  he  said,  in  a 
strangely  tremulous  tone.  "  It  is  really  time  for  us 
to  continue  our  ride,  we  had  almost — forgotten 
it." 


62  DANIRA. 

Dauira  made  no  reply,  her  dark  lashes  had  already 
drooped  again,  and  with  them  the  veil  seemed  to  fall 
once  more  over  her  whole  nature ;  her  face  was  as 
cold  and  rigid  as  before. 

Gerald  went  to  the  mules,  which  had  profited  by 
the  rest  allowed  them  to  browse  on  tlie  puny  plants 
growing  here  and  there  between  the  bowlders.  Loos- 
ing the  bridles  he  again  turned  to  his  companion. 

"  One  word  more,  while  we  are  alone.  You  were 
very  frank  to  me,  perhaps  too  much  so.  Can  you, 
dare  you,  tell  me  the  subject  of  that  nocturnal  con- 
versation in  the  fisherman's  hut  ?  " 

"  No,"  was  the  curt,  resolute  answer. 

"  Then  I  must  speak,  at  the  peril  of  seeming  to 
you  an  informer.     When  treachery  is  in  question — " 

"  Treachery !  "  interrupted  the  young  girl  with 
quivering  lips.     "  I  am  no  traitress." 

"  Well,  what  do  you  call  it,  then,  when  hostile 
plans  are  woven  against  those  under  whose  roof,  in 
whose  protection  you  live  ?  How  you  reconcile  your 
residence  under  that  roof  with  what  I  was  forced  to 
hear  just  now  is  your  own  affair ;  it  is  my  duty  to 
warn  the  colonel,  and  I  shall  do  so  this  very 
day." 

With  distant  courtesy  he  offered  his  hand  to  help 
her  mount,  but  she  silently  declined  his  assistance, 
and,  with  a  single  effort,  sprung  unaided  into  the 
saddle.  The  next  instant  Gerald  was  also  ready  and 
they  pursued  their  way  without  exchanging  another 
word. 

On  the    height  above    Edith  met   them,    radiant 


DANIRA.  63 

with  delight  at  the  advantage  she  had  gained  and 
maliciously  enjoying  the  vexation  inflicted  upon  her 
lover.  She  read  plainly  enough  in  his  face  and 
Danira's  tlie  annoyance  they  had  endured  during 
their  ride. 

"  There  come  the  loiterers  !  "  she  cried.  "  Why 
did  you  dismount  on  the  way  ?  You  spent  half  an 
eternity  on  the  rock  down  below." 

"  It  was  on  account  of  the  view,"  replied  Gerald 
laconically.  "  You  were  far  ahead.  Did  George 
take  proper  care  when  he  went  up  the  steep  bridle- 
path with  you  ?  " 

The  young  lady  laughed — it  was  the  merry,  bell- 
like laugh  ever  at  her  command. 

"  Oh  !  yes  ;  but  you  will  be  obliged  to  challenge 
George,  Gerald.  He  has  made  me  a  proposal  in  all 
due  form,  and  I  requested  time  for  consideration — 
the  heir  of  the  Moosbach  Farm  is  a  good  match. 
What  do  you  think  of  it  ?  " 

The  young  officer  laughed  very  little  at  the  joke. 
He  had  already  joined  his  fiancee  and  was  riding 
close  beside  her.  He  felt  as  if  he  must  seek  in  her 
sunny  eyes  protection  from  some  unknown  power 
that  was  shading  him  with  its  dark  wings. 

They  now  reached  the  last  bend  in  the  road,  and 
here  the  whole  view  opened  before  them,  still  wider 
and  more  magnificent  than  below ,  At  their  feet  lay 
the  country  with  its  rocks  and  waters,  its  dreary, 
barren  wastes  and  luxuriant  shores.  The  fervid 
rays  of  the  southern  sun  were  shining  upon  it,  and 
far  away  in  the  distance  glimmered  the  boundless  ex 
pause  of  the  sea. 


64  DAN  IRA. 

Yes,  it  was  a  strange  country.  Repellant,  yet  be^ 
witching,  like  the  people  who  belonged  to  it,  and 
whoever  had  once  taken  a  long  look  at  it  understood 
its  mysterious  spell. 


DANIBA.  55 


m. 

Clear  and  sparkling  the  starry  night  brooded  over 
the  dark,  quiet  earth.  The  jagged  mountain-peaks 
were  but  dimly  outlined  against  the  sky,  and  the 
black  masses  of  the  cliffs  blended  with  the  sable 
shadow  resting  upon  the  bay. 

The  city  was  already  wrapped  in  slumber,  and  the 
members  of  the  commandant's  household  had  retired 
to  rest.  Colonel  Arlow  himself  had  not  returned 
until  late  from  a  neighboring  village,  where  a  detach- 
ment of  troops  was  also  stationed,  and  on  his  arrival 
did  not  find  Gerald.  The  latter  had  waited  vainly 
for  his  superior  officer,  who  had  been  unusually  de- 
layed, and  as  the  lieutenant  was  obliged  to  be  at  his 
post  on  the  citadel  at  nightfall,  he  left  a  few  lines, 
urging  strict  watchfulness  as  there  were  indications 
that  Joan  Obrevic's  presence  in  the  city  was  connect- 
ed with  secret  plots.  He  promised  to  make  a  full 
report  the  following  day,  but  mentioned  no  other 
names. 

The  colonel  shook  his  head  over  the  note,  but  he 
was  too  thoroughly  acquainted  with  Gerald's  quiet, 
penetrating  mind,  which  did  not  allow  itself  to  be 
Influenced  by  mere  conjectures,  not  to  heed  the  warn- 
ing. He  gave  the  necessar}'- orders,  directed  that  any 
unusual  occurrence  should  be  instantly  and  directly 
reported  to  him,  and  then  also  went  to  rest. 


66  DANIRA. 

Deep  silence  reigned  in  the  sleeping-rooms  of  the 
two  young  girls,  which  adjoined  each  other.  Edith, 
wearied  by  the  long  and  fatiguiiig  ride,  had  instantly 
lost  herself  in  slumber  and  was  living  over  in  her 
dreams  the  last  few  hours  that  had  been  at  once  so 
pleasant  and  so  strange.  True,  Gerald  had  unac- 
countably insisted  upon  shortening  the  visit  to  the 
fort,  and  avoided  entering  even  one  of  the  inner  fort- 
ifications with  the  ladies.  He  seemed  still  graver 
than  usual,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  had  treated  his 
young  fiancee  with  a  tenderness  never  before  display- 
ed. He  had  not  quitted  her  side  once  all  the  way 
home,  and  had  devoted  liimself  to  her  so  entirel}'- 
that  she  did  not  even  find  time  to  notice  how  care- 
fully he  avoided  addressing  a  word  to  Danira,  and 
how  completely  the  latter  held  aloof  from  him ;  it 
had  been  a  delightful  excursion. 

The  lamp  which  lighted  the  chamber  threw  a  dim 
ray  on  the  bed  where  the  young  girl  lay,  presenting  a 
lovely  picture  in  her  slumber.  The  fair  little  head, 
turned  somewhat  on  one  side,  nestled  among  the 
})ilk)ws,  the  smile  evoked  by  a  pleasant  dream  hover- 
ed around  her  lips,  and  her  bosom  rose  and  fell  in 
deep,  regular  breathing  ;  it  was  the  sleep  of  a  child 
still  untroubled  by  care  or  sorrow. 

Midnight  had  already  come,  when  the  door  of  the 
next  room  gently  opened,  and  Danira  appeared  on 
the  threshold.  She  was  fully  dressed  and  had 
thrown  on  a  dark  cloak,  which  enveloped  her  from 
head  to  foot.  Gliding  noiselessly  across  the  car- 
pet, she  approached  the  bed.     There  was  something 


DANIRA.  67 

ghostly  in  the  tall,  gloomy  figure  that  bent  over  the 
young  girl,  so  close  that  her  breath  almost  fanned 
Edith's  cheek.  The  latter  started  and  opened  her  eyes. 

"  You — Danira  ?  "  she  asked,  still  scarcely  roused 
from  her  dream. 

Danira  hastily  stood  erect  and  turned  as  if  to  fly, 
but  when  Edith,  yet  half  asleep,  continued :  "  What 
do  you  want?  "  she  stooped  and  said  in  a  low,  stifled 
voice : 

"  To  bid  you  farewell." 

Edith  now  seemed  to  wake  fully  and  started  up  in 
alarm. 

"  Farewell  ?  Now,  in  the  middle  of  the  night  ? 
Where  are  you  going  ?  " 

"  Away — forever !  Do  not  be  so  startled,  Edith  ;  it 
must  be  !  It  was  foolish,  imprudent,  to  come  to  you, 
but  I  could  not  go  without  seeing  you  once  more  ;  I 
did  not  think  you  would  wake." 

Edith  evidently  did  not  comprehend  what  she 
heard,  but  gazed  as  if  bewildered  into  the  face  of  her 
adopted  sister,  who  now  continued  more  impetu- 
ously : 

"I  should  have  gone  in  a  few  days  or  weeks — now 
it  must  be  to-night.  He  has  left  us  no  choice,  and 
he  is  a  watchful  jailer." 

"  He  ?  Who  ?  For  heaven's  sake  don't  talk  in 
such  riddles.  Where  are  you  going?  You  see  I  am 
almost  frightened  to  death." 

Danira  fell  upon  her  knees  and  clasped  the  young 
girl's  hands  ;  it  was  a  fierce,  painful  grasp. 

"  Do  not  ask,  I  dare  not  answer.     Your  father  will 


58  DANIBA. 

tell  you  tliat  I  have  been  ungrateful,  wicked ;  per- 
haps he  is  right,  but  my  right  is  higher,  for  it  is  the 
claim  of  home  and  kindred,  of  which  he  deprived  me. 
He  has  felt  as  little  affection  for  me  as  I  for  him — 
let  him  condemn  me  !  But  you,  Edith,  have  loved 
me,  spite  of  all  my  failings.  You  never  intention- 
ally caused  me  pain,  never  turned  coldly  from  me, 
even  when  you  did  not  understand  me.  You  must 
not  believe  that  I  have  been  unfeeling.  I  was  only 
wretched,  unutterably  wretched !  Remember  this, 
when  to-morrow  they  all  pronounce  sentence  upon 
me,  and  then— forget  me  !  " 

She  had  uttered  all  this  with  breathless  haste,  and 
now  tried  to  rise,  but  Edith,  who  at  last  understood 
that  the  farewell  was  seriously  meant,  flung  both 
arms  around  her  neck  and  began  to  weep  aloud. 

"  Hush  ! "  whispered  Danira,  half  beseechingly, 
half  imperatively. 

"  Don't  detain  me,  do  not  try  to  prevent  my  escape, 
I  will  not  be  stopped,  though  it  should  cost  my  life. 
If  you  wake  the  others  and  put  them  on  my  track,  it 
will  perhaps  cause  my  death — it  will  not  bring  me 
back ! " 

The  last  words  expressed  such  terrible  determina- 
tion that  Edith,  in  her  alarm,  let  her  arms  fall,  and 
Danira  profited  by  the  opportunity  to  release  herself. 

"And  now  one  more  request.  Tell  hhu — Gerald 
von  Steinach — I  am  no  traitress.  I  have  made  no 
hostile  plots  against  those  who  call  tlieraselves  my 
benefactors,  they  only  concerned  one  man's  escape — 
he  will  know  the  secret  to-morrow." 


DANIRA.  59 

Edith  suddenly  stopped  ciyiug  and  fixed  her  aston- 
ished eyes  upon  the  speaker. 

"  A  message  from  you  to  Gerald  ?  And  I  am  to 
tell  him  that  ?  " 

"  Yes !  I  will  not,  cannot  take  this  man's  con- 
tempt with  me.  I  have  borne  mucli  of  late,  but  I 
will  not  endure  that  scornful  glance  from  his  eyes. 
Promise  to  repeat  to  him,  word  for  word,  what  I 
said.     And  now  farewell — forever  !  " 

She  stooped  again,  Edith  felt  two  hot,  quivering 
lips  press  hers,  felt  herself  strained  to  a  heart  throb- 
bing with  passionate  emotion;  but  it  was  only  for  a 
moment,  the  next  Danira  had  vanished.  The  door 
closed  behind  her,  and  the  lamp  diffused  its  soft 
light  through  the  chamber  as  before,  while  the  young 
girl  pressed  both  hands  upon  her  temples  to  convince 
herself  that  the  scene  through  which  she  had  just 
pa,ssed  was  no  mere  vision  in  a  dream. 

Everything  had  happened  so  suddenly,  so  unex- 
pectedly, that  it  was  some  time  before  Edith  recov- 
ered from  her  bewilderment.  Then  she  rose  hurried- 
ly, threw  on  a  dressing-gown  and  rushed  into  the 
adjoining  room  occupied  by  Danh-a.  It  was  empty 
and  deserted,  the  bed  untouched,  the  door  locked, 
the  fugitive  must  have  already  left  the  house. 

Edith's  first  thought  was  to  wake  her  father  and 
tell  him  what  had  occurred,  but  Danira's  parting 
words  echoed  in  her  ears  :  "  If  you  put  them  on  my 
track,  it  may  perhaps  cause  m}'-  death — it  will  not 
bring  me  back  ! "  She  knew  her  adopted  sister,  and 
was  aware  that  she  was  capable  of  executing  the 
threat. 


60*  DANIBA. 

The  young  girl  walked  irresolutely  to  the  window 
which  overlooked  a  portion  of  the  city.  The  houses 
lay  dark  and  silent,  the  citadel  toAvering  above  them 
into  the  starry  sky.  Yonder  lived  Gerald,  for  whom 
that  strange  message  was  left.  Why  was  it  ad- 
dressed to  him,  who  had  always  treated  Danira  so 
distantly,  almost  rudely,  and  why  could  she  not  en- 
dure his  contempt,  when  she  was  so  indifferent  to 
her  adopted  father's  sentence  of  condemnation? 
The  young  girl's  childish  face,  usually  so  un- 
troubled, assumed  an  expression  of  thought,  she 
could  not  answer  this  "  why." 

Suddenly  she  started.  Three  shots  rang  on  the 
air  in  quick  succession,  distant,  it  is  true,  but  dis- 
tinctly audible  amid  the  stillness  of  the  night. 
Deep  silence  followed  for  several  minutes,  then 
came  a  single  sharp  report.  It  echoed  from  the  cita- 
del, and  directly  after  the  garrison  was  astir ;  lights 
appeared  and  vanished,  and  the  red  glare  of  torches 
fell  upon  the  rocky  declivities,  where  a  search 
seemed  in  progress.  At  last  a  heavy,  dull  sound 
roared  through  the  city,  the  discharge  of  a  cannon, 
which  waked  the  echoes  of  the  surrounding  moun- 
tains and  died  away  in  the  distance. 

Under  other  circumstances  Edith  would  merely 
have  watched  the  incident  with  curiosity,  for  actual 
cowardice  was  not  in  her  nature,  but  now,  startled 
and  excited  by  what  had  just  happened,  a  strange 
anxiety  oppressed  her  like  a  presentiment  of  mis- 
fortune. 

She  darted  back  into  her  chamber  to  dress,  but  it 


DAN  IRA.  61 

was  several  minutes  before  she  was  ready  and  hurry- 
ing toward  the  other  part  of  the  house  to  wake  her 
father. 

There  was  no  occasion  to  do  so,  the  colonel  was 
already  up  and  dressed.  He  too  had  been  startled 
by  the  shots,  and  was  in  the  act  of  buckling  on  his 
sword  when  his  daughter  entered  and  ran  to  him  as 
though  seeking  protection. 

"  Are  you  awake, too,  papa  ?  What  has  happened  ? 
Up  at  the  citadel " 

"  A  prisoner  has  escaped  !  "  replied  the  colonel,  fin- 
ishing the  sentence.  "  The  alarm-shot  gave  the  signal. 
Don't  be  frightened,  child,  there  is  no  danger." 

"  But  Gerald  is  there,  and  other  shots  were 
fired " 

"  The  sentinels  discharged  their  guns ;  they  have 
orders  to  fire  upon  a  fugitive  if  he  does  not  halt,  but  he 
must  have  escaped  or  the  signal  would  not  have  been 
given.  I  shall  send  at  once  and  get  a  report.  But 
why  are  you  up,  Edith  ?  Lie  down  again;  the  city  is 
perfectly  quiet,  and  I  repeat  that  there  is  no  occasion 
for  alarm." 

He  spoke  with  a  calmness  that  was  partially  as- 
sumed, for  the  incident  harmonized  too  strangely 
with  Gerald's  warning,  not  to  arouse  grave  anxiety. 
The  young  officer  had  mentioned  treason,  and  some- 
thing unusual  was  evidently  occurring  in  the  citadel. 
Who  could  tell  what  might  happen  in  the  city,  at 
any  rate  the  commandant  wished  to  be  at  his  post. 

The  Colonel's  servant  now  entered  with  an  orderly 
he  had  hurriedly  summoned  by  his  master's  command. 


62  DANIRA. 

Arlow  released  himself  from  liis  daughter,  who 
still  clasped  him  in  her  arms,  and  said,  kindly  but 
firmly : 

"  Go  now,  my  child,  you  see  I  am  on  duty  and 
must  think  of  nothing  else.  I  must  go  at  once.  Try 
to  sleep  again,  and  don't  allow  3^ourself  to  be  excited 
by  things  you  do  not  understand." 

Edith  saw  that  she  must  oliey  this  time  and  left 
the  room,  but  the  last  words  touclied  her  like  a  re- 
proach. True,  she  had  never  taken  any  interest  in 
matters  concerning  her  father's  profession,  so  she 
was  now  sent  to  bed  like  a  child  that  was  only  in  the 
way,  while  the  whole  city  was  roused  from  slumber, 
while  her  father  and  lover  were  hurrying  to  their 
posts,  and  Dauira — at  the  name  a  sudden  perception 
of  the  truth  flashed  upon  the  3'oung  girl.  She  under- 
stood that  Danira  was  connected  with  this  event,  and 
was  playing  some  j)art  in  it,  tliougli  the  relation  was 
still  obscure. 

Edith  returned  to  her  chamber,  but  sleep  was  out 
of  the  question.  The  night  passed  very  uneasily ; 
the  colonel  had  hurried  out  to  personally  inspect  the 
posts  and  sentinels,  and  assure  himself  that  there 
were  no  suspicious  appearances  in  the  city.  Two 
hours  elapsed  before  his  return.  Orderlies  came  and 
went.  At  dawn  a  detaclnnent  of  soldiers  left  Cattaro 
and  marched  toward  the  mountains.  Most  of  the 
residents  who  had  been  roused  by  the  signal-gun 
were  also  astir  to  learn  what  had  happened.  At  that 
time  every  unusual  event  acquired  extraordinary  im- 
portance. 


DANIIiA.  63 

Toward  morning  the  excitement  began  to  subside. 
People  learned  that  the  matter  really  concerned 
nothing  but  the  llight  of  a  prisoner  who  had  escaped 
during  the  night,  and  was  now  being  pursued  by  the 
military.  Lieutenant  von  Steinach,  who  had  merely 
sent  the  most  necessary  information  to  the  command- 
ant, came  at  an  early  hour  to  make  his  report  in 
person. 

The  interview  liad  already  lasted  more  than  half 
an  hour.  The  two  men  were  alone  in  the  colonel's 
private  room,  and  both  faces  were  so  grave  and 
gloomy  that  it  was  evident  that  the  event  was  not 
quite  so  trivial  as  had  been  rumored  in  the  city. 

"  I  never  believed  from  the  first  that  Joan  Obrevic 
was  here  for  any  friendly  purpose,"  said  Gerald.  "  I 
liad  been  on  his  trail  for  several  days,  but  this  daring 
attempt  at  rescue  was  the  last  thing  I  expected.  It 
has  hitherto  been  considered  impossible  to  scale  the 
citadel  from  the  cliif  side." 

"  Nothing  is  impossible  to  these  mountaineers,"  re- 
plied the  colonel,  "  especially  where  rocks  and  cliffs 
are  concerned.  But  how  did  it  happen  that  you  dis- 
covered the  prisoner's  escape  in  the  middle  of  the 
night,  when  even  the  sentinels  had  not  noticed  it?" 

"  I  could  not  sleep,  and  the  discoveries  made  yes- 
terday rendered  me  suspicious.  Toward  midnight  X 
once  more  went  the  rounds  of  the  fortification  to  re- 
connoitre, and  saw  by  the  starlight  the  prisoner  let 
himself  down  the  wall  and  reach  the  ground,  where 
two  persons  were  waiting  for  him.  I  instantly  alarmed 
the  sentinels,  and  hurried  to  the  spot  myself.     The 


64  DANIBA. 

fugitives,  finding  themselves  discovered,  fired  at  me. 
Their  bullets  whistled  close  by  my  head ;  I  returned 
the  shots,  and  stretched  one  on  the  earth.  The  two 
others  recklessly  pursued  the  perilous  way  over  the 
rocks,  and  vanished  in  the  darkness.  When  my  men 
hurried  up  and  torches  were  brought,  we  saw  that  I 
had  shot  Joan  Obrevic,  who  lay  dead  at  the  foot  of 
the  wall — he  had  purchased  his  son's  liberty  with  his 
life." 

Arlow  had  listened  in  silence,  but  the  expression  of 
his  face  became  more  and  more  anxious,  and  he  now 
asked  hastily : 

"  Did  young  Obrevic  know  you  ?  " 

"  Certainly.  I  often  saw  him,  as  well  as  the  other 
prisoners,  while  in  command  of  the  citadel." 

"And  do  3'^ou  think  he  recognized  you  last 
night?" 

"  Undoubtedly,  for  I  shouted  orders  to  my  men. 
The  bullets  were  meant  for  me ;  in  a  pursuit  by  the 
guards  they  probably  would  not  have  delayed  their 
flight  to  fire  i  it  was  an  act  of  revenge  upon  me  per- 
sonall3^" 

The  colonel  rose  and  jmced  tliouglitfully  np  and 
down  the  room  several  times ;  at  last  he  paused,  and 
said  with  deep  earnestness : 

»     "  Gerald,  I  would  give  much  if  some  other  bullet 
than  yours  had  killed  Joan  Obrevic." 

"Why?"  asked  the  young  officer,  looking  np  In 
surprise. 

"  You  have  shot  the  father,  and  the  son  has  escaped 
into  the  mountains.     He  will  carry  the  news  of  your 


DANIRA.  65 

deed  there,  and  I  liave  already  told  you  that  last  even- 
ing orders  arrived  to  detach  you  from  your  post,  and 
send  3'ou  and  your  men  to  your  regiment." 

"  Which  has  long  been  my  ardent  desire  !  I  am 
really  tired  of  guarding  prisoners  while  my  comirades 
are  figliting  the  insurorents." 

The  colonel  shook  his  head,  and  the  anxious  ex- 
pression of  his  features  was  still  more  apparent  as  he 
replied : 

"You  do  not  know  this  people  as  I  do ;  the  ven- 
detta exists  among  them  in  all  its  horrors.  The  chief 
has  fallen  by  your  hand,  not  even  in  battle,  in  a 
hand-to-hand  conflict,  but  while  flying,  and  it  is 
known  that  you  have  killed  him — you  will  be  out- 
lawed among  the  mountains." 

Gerald  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  That  can't  be 
helped.  Under  the  circumstances  I  could  not,  ought 
not  to  have  acted  otherwise.  I  was  obliged  to  fire 
upon  the  fugitives  when  they  did  not  halt  at  my 
shout,  especially  when  they  attacked  me." 

"  You  did  perfectly  right,  but  it  is  an  unfortunate 
combination  of  circumstances.  Obrevic's  tribe  un- 
doubtedly only  remained  passive  until  their  chief's 
son  was  released  and  in  safety,  now  its  members  will 
instantly  join  the  rebellion  and  you  may  be  com- 
pelled to  march  against  them  at  once.  Promise  me 
to  be  cautious,  and  above  all  things  never  to  venture 
anywhere  alone.  Do  you  hear?  Always  take  an 
escort." 

The  young  officer  drew  back  with  a  half  indignant 
gesture.     "  Am   I   to  set   my  men  an   example   of 


66  DANIRA. 

timidity  and  cowardice  ?  You  are  a  soldier,  like  my« 
self,  and  know  that  danger  is  a  part  of  our  profes- 
sion." 

"When  treachery  and  cunning  are  at  work  cau- 
tion is  no  disgrace,  even  to  a  soldier.  You  will  do 
your  whole  duty — I  expect  nothing  less  from  you, 
but  do  not  go  beyond  it  and  allow  yoiu'self  to  be  car- 
ried away  by  your  zeal  to  defy  a  danger  wliich,  after 
last  night's  occurrence,  threatens  you  and  you  alone. 
You  owe  that  to  yourself  and  your  promised  wife.  I 
demand  a  pledge  that  you  will  be  prudent." 

"  I  will  be  on  my  guard  and  not  expose  my  life 
recklessly.  I  can  promise  nothing  more  ;  anything 
beyond  would  be  cowardice." 

The  colonel  repressed  a  sigh.  "You  are  right, 
Gerald,  but  I  shall  see  you  go  with  a  heavy  heart. 
Hush  I  here  comes  Edith.  Do  not  let  her  know 
what  we  have  been  discussing;  she  must  not  be 
needlessly  alarmed.  Well,  my  child,  here  you  are  ! 
Have  you  slept  off  last  night's  excitement  ?  " 

Edith,  who  had  just  entered  to  give  her  father  a 
mornmg  greeting,  did  not  look  so  bright  and  bloom- 
ing as  usual.  Her  features  had  a  weary,  worn  ex- 
pression, and  even  her  voice  lacked  its  customary 
blitheness,  as  she  replied : 

"  I  could  not  go  to  sleep  again  ;  every  one  in  the 
house  was  awake  and  moving ;  besides,  I  did  not 
know  how  Gerald  had  fared." 

Gei*ald,  who  was  advancing  to  meet  his  fiancee^ 
felt  the  reproach  contained  in  her  words.  lie  had 
not  even  thought  of  sending  her  a  message,  )^et  he 


DANIRA.  67 

might  have  supposed  that  she  would  be  anxious 
about  him. 

"  Pardon  me,"  he  answered,  quickly.  "  I  imagined 
you  had  already  learned  from  your  father  that  the 
nocturnal  event  was  a  matter  of  no  consequence." 

"  It  is  rumored  that  the  fugitives  fired  at  you,  that 
you  returned  the  fire,  and " 

"  People  exaggerate,  as  usual,"  interrupted  the 
colonel.  "  Of  course,  Gerald  was  on  the  spot,  and 
has  done  his  duty ;  but  you  see  he  is  safe  and  sound. 
Unfortunatel}',  he  has  brought  news  which  will  com- 
pel me  to  discuss  very  serious  matters  in  my  own 
household.     Where  is  Danira?" 

Edith  looked  up ,  b  \t  not  at  her  father ;  she  turned 
her  face  toward  Gerald. 

"  Danira  has  gone." 

The  joung  officer  started  ;  it  was  but  a  moment 
ere  the  passing  emotion  Avas  repressed,  but  Edith  had 
seen  it.     The  colonel  exclaimed : 

"Gone!     Where?" 

"  I  don't  know.  She  came  to  my  room  last  night 
to  bid  me  farewell,  in  a  wild,  passionate  manner,  that 
frightened  me  even  more  than  her  words.  She  for- 
bade  me  to  awake  you  or  betray  her  flight,  and  was 
gone  ere  I  could  fairly  collect  my  senses.  I  under- 
stood nothing  about  the  whole  affair,  nothing  except 
— the  message  she  gave  me  for  Gerald." 

"  For  Gerald  ?  "  repeated  Arlow,  whose  amazement 
at  first  exceeded  his  indignation. 

"  Yes,  for  him." 

The  young  girl,  while  repeating  Danira's  words, 


68  DANIRA. 

fixed  lier  eyes  upon  her  lover's  face  with  a  half  timid, 
half  questioning  expression.  She  saw  the  flush  that 
crimsoned  his  brow  for  an  instant,  and  the  light 
wliich  leaped  into  his  eyes  at  the  vindication  the 
message  contained. 

"I  suspected  that  she  would  not  be  here  this 
morning,"  he  said,  at  last.  "After  what  had  hap- 
pened she  could  not  stay,  and  would  undoubtedly 
have  gone  sooner  or  later,  but  I  had  anticipated 
something  worse  than  an  attempt  at  rescue." 

"  I  should  think  that  was  bad  enough !  "  cried  the 
colonel,  furiousl}-.  "  The  thankless,  treacherous 
creature,  wlio  has  lived  with  us  for  years  and  been 
treated  like  a  child  of  the  house !  To  repay  the 
benefits  she  has  received  in  this  way — it  is  disgrace- 
ful." 

This  indignation  was  certainly  pardonable  in  a  man 
who,  with  the  best  intentions  and  the  most  benevo- 
lent designs,  had  endeavored  to  curb  an  alien,  re- 
fractory element,  but  anger  made  him  unjust.  All 
the  secret  aversion  cherished  against  his  adopted 
daughter  now  burst  forth  unrestrained  ;  lie  heaped 
the  most  violent  invectives  upon  the  fugitive,  and 
could  not  find  words  enough  to  condemn  her. 

Gerald  listened  for  a  time  in  silence,  but  the  flush 
on  his  face  deepened  and  his  brow  grew  darker  and 
darker.  When  the  colonel  again  repeated  the  ex- 
pression, "base  treachery,"  the  young  man's  eyes 
suddenly  flashed  with  a  liglit  as  fierce  as  at  the  time 
the  insult  had  been  hurled  into  his  face. 

"  Danira  is  no  traitress — that  is  now  proved,"  he 


BANIRA.  69 

said,  in  a  sharp,  positive  tone,  "  and  her  aiding  in  the 
rescue  of  one  of  her  own  race  is  no  disgrace  to  her  in 
my  eyes." 

"Do  you  want  to  take  her  part?"  cried  Arlow, 
angrily.  "  Do  you  want  to  make  excuses  for  a  vaga- 
bond wlio  leaves  the  house  in  the  darkness  of  night 
to  wander  about  the  mountains  with  an  escaped  pris- 
oner, and  — " 

"Under  the  protection  of  her  brother,  who  has 
summoned  her,  and  is  now  taking  her  back  to  her 
home.  It  was  a  mistake  to  tear  this  girl  from  her 
birthplace,  a  mistake  by  which  she  has  been  the 
greatest  sufferer.  She  has  done  wrong,  it  is  true,  but 
the  voice  of  blood  has  proved  stronger  than  that  of 
gratitude ;  perhaps,  in  her  place,  I  might  have  done 
the  same." 

The  colonel  gazed  in  speechless  astonishment  at  his 
future  son-in-law,  whom  he  saw  in  this  state  of  excite- 
ment for  the  first  time. 

"  Well,  you  are  the  last  person  from  whom  I  ex- 
pected such  opinions  ! "  he  burst  forth.  "  You  are 
actually  constituting  yourself  the  knight  and  de- 
fender of  the  runaway.  Edith,  what  do  you  say  to 
this  affair  ?     You  don't  utter  a  word." 

Edith's  eyes  still  rested  on  the  young  officer's  face, 
and  even  now  she  did  not  avert  her  gaze. 

"  I  think  Gerald  is  right,"  she  said,  gently.  "  I 
felt  the  same  when  Danira  bade  me  farewell  last 
night." 

"  Yes,  that's  the  way  with  young  people ;  tliey  al- 
ways  see    the  romantic   side ! "   cried   the    colonel, 


70  DANIBA. 

angrily.  "No  unbiased  opinion  can  be  expected 
from  you;  we  won't  argue  about  it  any  farther.  At 
any  rate,  I  am  glad  the  affair  is  ended  in  this  way.  I 
have  always  considered  it  a  misfortune  that  my  own 
undue  haste  compelled  me  to  tolerate  such  an  element 
in  my  household.  This  Danira's  presence  weighed 
like  a  nightmare  upon  us  all." 

"  Yes,  it  was  fortunate  that  she  went — for  us  all !  " 
said  Gerald,  with  a  long  breath,  as  if  a  weight  had 
been  removed  from  his  breast  also. 

Arlow  paced  up  and  down  the  room  several  times, 
as  was  his  custom  when  struggling  with  any  emotion ; 
then  he  paused  before  his  daughter. 

"Amidst  all  these  discussions  we  are  forgetting  the 
main  thing.  You  don't  yet  know,  my  child,  that 
Gerald  must  leave.  The  order  came  last  evening, 
and  he  is  to  march  with  his  men  to-morrow  to  join 
the  regiment." 

"  So  soon  ?  "  asked  Edith,  but  the  tone  was  hollow, 
almost  mechanical.  Her  father  looked  at  her  in  sur- 
prise ;  he  had  expected  that  she  would  receive  the 
news  very  differently.  But  Gerald  advanced  to  the 
young  girl's  side  and  bent  over  her. 

"  Yes,  I  must  go,  and  my  little  Edith  must  forgive 
my  longing  to  share  the  perils  and  privations  of  my 
comrades.  I  am  to  show  myself  worthy  of  my 
fiancee  in  this  campaign.  If  I  return  we  will  turn 
our  backs  upon  this  country  and  I  will  take  my 
young  wife  home  to  beautiful,  sunny  Tyrol  and  my 
mother's  arms.  Believe  me,  Edith,  we  '•-an  be  very 
happy  there." 


DANIBA.  71 

There  was  an  unusual  warmth  and  tenderness  in 
the  words,  perhaps  also  a  strange  liaste  and  uneasi- 
ness, while  he  grasped  in  a  convulsive  rather  than 
fervent  clasp  the  hand  of  his  promised  bride,  who  did 
not  utter  a  syllable  in  reply.  The  colonel,  however, 
now  completely  appeased,  said  : 

"  Well,  that  is  talking  sensibly  !  Edith  will  sub- 
mit to  the  separation  \\\\i\\  your  return ;  she  is  a  sol- 
dier's daughter.  But  go  now,  my  son.  You  must 
make  the  arrangements  at  the  citadel  which  we  have 
been  discussing.  We  shall  expect  you  here  this  af- 
ternoon, and  I  will  see  that  you  have  leisure  to  de- 
vote yourself  this  last  evening  to  your  fiancee^ 

Gerald  raised  the  little  hand  which  lay  in  his  to 
his  lips,  and  this  time  really  pressed  a  long,  ardent 
kiss  upon  it.  The  caress  seemed  almost  like  a  plea 
for  pardon,  and  he  looked  up  reproachfully  when  the 
hand  was  hastily  withdrawn. 

"  You  see  the  ice  is  breaking !  "  said  the  colonel, 
in  a  jesting  tone,  when  the  door  had  closed  behind 
the  young  officer.  "The  parting  appears  to  make 
Gerald  realize  what  he  possesses  in  his  little  fiancee. 
Do  you  still  think  he  is  incapable  of  loving?" 

Edith  slowly  turned  her  face  toward  her  father ;  it 
was  startlingly  pale,  and  the  blue  eyes  were  filled  with 
scaldhig  tears. 

"  Oh  !  yes,  Gerald  can  love  !  "  she  said,  with  quiv- 
ering lips.  "  I  have  learned  that  to-day — but  he  has 
never  loved  me  I " 


DANIRA.  7S 


rv. 

On  a  desolate,  rocky  mountain  plateau,  a  most 
lonely  and  secluded  location,  was  a  fort,  which,  built 
many  years  before,  had  recently  been  greatly 
strengthened,  and  was  now  tlie  centre  of  the  military 
operations  for  the  suppression  of  the  rebellion. 

Months  had  passed  since  the  first  outbreak,  and 
the  insurrection  was  not  yet  wholly  subdued,  though 
every  indication  betokened  a  speedy  conquest.  Dur- 
ing this  time  the  troops  had  endured  all  sorts  of 
dangers  and  hardships,  a  series  of  fierce  battles  had 
been  waged,  and  here  they  were  compelled  to  fight, 
not  only  men,  but  the  country,  the  climate,  the  im- 
mobility and  barrenness  of  this  mountainous  region, 
which  proved  themselves  foes  to  the  strangers,  while 
they  became  so  many  allies  to  the  natives  of  the 
land.  Yet  the  greater  part  of  the  toilsome  task  was 
already  accomplished  and  the  fate  of  the  insurrection 
decided. 

The  tribe  of  which  Joan  Obrtvic  had  been  chief 
was  the  only  one  that  still  opposed  to  the  soldiery  a 
tenacious  and  energetic  resistance.  Its  members  had 
joined  the  rebellion  immediately  after  the  'death  of 
their  leader  and  the  return  of  his  son,  and  now  this 
son  occupied  his   father's  place   and   carried   on   a 


74  DANIRA. 

fierce,  desperate  warfare,  in  which  all  the  cruelty  of 
his  race  was  displayed.  With  proud  defiance  he  re- 
jected every  overture  relating  to  surrender  or  treaty, 
and  woe  betide  all  the  wounded  and  prisoners  who 
fell  into  his  hands  ! 

A  number  of  wounded  soldiers,  whose  condition 
did  not  permit  them  to  be  transported  farther,  had 
been  brought  to  the  fort,  and  Father  Leonhard  had 
come  there  to  render  them  spiritual  consolation  and 
assistance.  The  sun  shone  hotly  down  upon  the 
stone  walls  of  the  little  fortress,  but  within  their 
shelter  it  was  comparatively  cool.  The  priest  was 
sitting  iii  the  tiny  room  assigned  to  him,  and  before 
him  stood  George  Moosbach,  covered  with  dust, 
flushed  with  heat,  and  bearing  every  token  of  a 
fatiguing  march. 

"  Here  we  are,  your  reverence,  "  he  said.  "  At 
least,  here  I  am  for  the  present,  half  dead  with  thirst, 
three  quarters  worn  out  by  fatigue,  and  entirely 
roasted  by  the  heat  of  the  sun.  Well,  when  a  fellow 
has  the  same  sport  every  day  he  gets  used  to  it  in 
time." 

"Yet  you  don't  seem  much  the  worse  for  your 
exertions,"  replied  the  priest,  glancing  at  the  young 
soldier's  face — it  was  a  little  more  sunburnt,  it  is 
true,  but  the  black  eyes  sparkled  as  boldly  and 
blithely  as  ever. 

"  They  must  be  borne,"  he  answered  stolidly. 
"  Besides,  I  knew  beforehand  that  it  was  a  God-for- 
saken country.  Tlieie  are  no  human  beings  here  at 
all  except  Hiij  Majesty's  faithful  troops,  who  have  to 


BAN  IRA.  75 

figlit  these  savages.  We  march  for  hours  without 
seeing  tree  or  bush,  nothing  but  sky,  rocks  and  sun- 
sliine,  and  by  way  of  variety  sometimes  encounter  a 
hora.,  during  which  one  can  see  and  hear  nothing.  If 
you  were  not  here,  your  reverence,  there  would  be 
no  Christianity;  we've  fallen  among  Turks  and 
pagans.  Oh,  my  beautiful,  blessed  Tyrol !  The  Lord 
created  you  specially  for  His  own  pleasure,  but  I 
should  like  to  know  what  He  could  have  been  think- 
ing of  when  He  made  Krivoscia." 

George  had  not  yet  attained  familiarity  with  the 
name,  which  fell  in  a  perfectly  barbarous  accent  from 
his  lips,  but  the  priest  said  reprovingly : 

"  Our  Lord  knows  best  why  He  has  distributed 
His  gifts  in  one  way  and  not  another —  So  you 
have  reported  that  Baron  von  Steiuach  and  his  men 
are  coming  to  the  fort  ?  " 

"  Yes  ;  they'll  be  here  in  half  an  hour,  and  I  hope 
still  alive." 

"  Why  ?  Are  there  wounded  soldiers  with  the 
troops  ?  " 

"  No,  when  I  left  they  were  all  well,  but  a  man 
isn't  sure  of  his  life  an  hour  here.  How  often,  when 
we  were  marching  merrily  along,  singing  the  songs 
of  our  beautiful  Tyrol,  those  accursed  savages  have 
unexpectedly  attacked  us  !  One  moment  the  wilder- 
ness is  perfectly  empty,  and  all  at  once  there  are  the 
fellows,  as  if  they  had  grown  out  of  the  rocks,  and 
their  bullets  are  whizzing  around  our  heads.  They 
never  make  a  stand  anywhere  ;  if  we  try  to  catch 
them  in  a  ravine  they  are  on  the  heights,  and  when 


76  DANIRA. 

we  climb  up  they  are  down  below  again.  If  it  comes 
to  a  real  attack,  the  whole  troop  vanishes  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye,  as  if  the  cliffs  had  swallowed  them 
up,  and  we  halt,  utterly  bewildered,  look  at  each 
other,  and  count  our  ears  and  noses  to  see  whether  we 
still  have  them  all." 

This  vivid  and  exhaustive  description  of  Krivos- 
cian  campaigning  brought  a  passing  smile  to  Father 
Leonhard's  face. 

"If  any  one  should  hear  you,  lie  would  suppose 
you  a  bad  soldier  who  only  did  3'our  duty  under 
compulsion,"  he  replied.  "  Yet  I  was  able  to  write 
to  your  parents  a  few  days  ago  that  their  George  dis- 
tinguished liimself  on  every  occasion,  and  his 
superior  officers  gave  him  the  highest  praise  for  his 
fearlessness." 

George  looked  very  proud  of  the  eulogy  bestowed 
upon  him,  but  modestly  disclaimed  it. 

"  I  learned  that  by  watching  my  lieutenant. 
Whenever  he  meets  the  insurgents  he  always  sends 
them  home  with  broken  heads.  Perhaps  you  have 
written  to  Baroness  von  Steinach,  too,  3'our  rever- 
ence ?  " 

"  No,  I  had  no  occasion,  and  I  think  the  lieutenant 
will  do  it  himself." 

"  I  ought  to,"  said  the  young  T^n-olese,  with  a  very 
downcast  air.  "  The  Baroness  charged  me  to  pro- 
tect Herr  Gerald's  life — but  I  can't  bear  to  cause  her 
the  sorrow." 

"  Sorrow  ?  Because  her  sou  has  so  greatly  dis- 
tinguished himself?' 


DANITtA.  77 

"  No,  not  that,  it's  a  very  different  matter,  your 
rt'verence."  George  clasped  his  hands  devoutl}'. 
"You  have  often  reproved  me  for  conuiiittiug  i\o 
many  follies,  and  it's  all  true.  But  tliey  do  no  harm, 
and  they  are  far  from  being  so  bad  as  the  one  folly 
Herr  Gerald  has  committed  in  his  whole  life.  I  can't 
look  on  any  longer,  I  must  tell  you." 

He  uttered  so  heart-rending  a  sigh  that  the  priest 
gazed  at  him  with  a  startled,  anxious  glance. 

''  What  do  you  mean  ?  What  is  the  matter  with 
the  lieutenant?" 

"•  He's  bewitched  ! "  George  despairingly  exclaim- 
ed.    "  Completely  bewitched !  " 

"George — are  you  in  your  senses?" 

"  I  am,  but  unluckily  he  isn't.  The  poor  young 
lady  in  Cattaro !  So  pretty,  so  bright,  and  merry 
that  it  cheers  one's  heart  just  to  look  at  her,  and  now 
this  Danira " 

"  The  commandant's  adopted  daughter,  who  ran 
away  at  night  ?     What  of  her  ?  " 

"  She's  the  witch  who  has  done  my  lieutenant  this 
mischief  !  "  George  cried  indignantly.  "  She  has 
brewed  some  witches'  potion,  these  savages  know 
how,  and  now  the  misfortune  has  come — he  is  in 
love  with  her." 

Father  Leonhard  rose  in  utter  consternation. 

"  Impossible  ?  Gerald  von  Steinach,  that  quiet, 
thoughtful  man,  with  his  rigid  sense  of  duty,  pos- 
sessed by  such  an  infatuation — it  can't  be  !  What 
put  the  idea  into  your  head  ?  " 

The   young  soldier   advanced  a  step  nearer  and 


78  DANIRA. 

lowered  his  voice,  thougli  they  were  entirely    alone. 

"  I  knew  it  in  Cattaro,  but  I  did  not  want  to 
believe  it.  The  evening  before  our  departure  the 
lieutenant  went  once  more  to  the  commandant's  and 
I  was  permitted  to  go  with  him  to  bid  the  young 
lady  good-bye.  But  we  did  not  see  her  at  all,  not 
even  Herr  Gerald;  instead  of  that  his  future  father- 
in-law  and  he  were  alone  togetlier  in  a  room  for  an 
hour.  I  was  standing  in  the  dark  ante-chamber 
when  they  at  last  came  out  ;  the  colonel  didn't  see 
me,  and  I  heard  his  farewell  words  : 

" '  I  will  not  wrong  you,  Gerald  ;  I  myself  believe 
that  the  whole  affair  is  merely  a  foolish  fancy  on  the 
part  of  Edith,  but  what  you  say  does  not  soothe  me, 
for  it  shows  that  you  are  not  perfectly  clear  in  your 
own  mind.  We  part  now,  and  you  are  going  to 
encounter  serious  things  ;  you  will  have  ample  time 
to  test  yourself.  You  have  given  me  your  word  of 
honor  that  you  will  not  write  to  your  promised  wife 
until  you  can  say  to  her  with  entire  sincerity :  I  did 
not  love  Danira,  my  heart  belongs  solely  to  you.  If 
you  can  do  that  your  bride  will  not  be  lost,  for  I  rely 
implicitly  upon  your  honor,  and  so  will  Edith.  Now, 
farewell,  I  hope  you  will  write  soon  !' " 

Father  Leonhard  had  listened  in  extreme  suspense 
to  this  literal  repetition  of  the  conversation,  now  he 
asked  hastily : 

"Well,  and— ?" 

"Well,  your  reverence,  Herr  Gerald  has  not 
written." 

"  Really  ?     Are  you  sure  ?  " 


DAN  IRA.  79 

"Absolutely  certain.  I  have  to  take  all  the  letters 
to  the  messenger ;  there  was  not  one  to  the  young 
lady  among  tlicm." 

"  That  is  certainly  a  bad  sign,"  said  the  priest  in  a 
low  tone,  "  very  bad." 

"  It's  witchcraft,  abominable  witchcraft !  "  George 
wrathfully  exclaimed.  "  The  blow  will  kill  his 
mother  when  she  discovers  it.  Castle  Steinach  will 
be  completely  upset,  and  Moosbach  Farm  too,  and 
the  whole  Tyrol  to  boot — a  reverend  ecclesiastic 
must  interfere,  nothing  else  will  do,  only  priests  can 
oppose  witchcraft." 

Father  Leonhard  did  not  heed  the  last  words,  the 
news  evidently  affected  him  most  jminfully,  and  it 
was  after  a  long  pause  that  he  said  : 

"  Have  you  ever  given  the  Lieutenant  a  hint  that 
you  knew  the  affair  ?" 

"  I  tried  it  once,"  said  George,  mournfully.  "  But 
I  got  no  further  than  the  name  Danira.  Then  he 
started  up  and  looked  at  me  with  a  pair  of  eyes — I 
didn't  suppose  Herr  Gerald  could  glare  so — I  didn't 
attempt  it  a  second  time." 

"  Then  I'll  try  whether  he  will  talk  with  me. 
]\Ieantime,  keep  silence  about  it  in  future  to  every 
one." 

Here  the  conversation  was  interrupted ;  they  heard 
outside  words  of  command  and  the  regular  tramp  of 
soldiers  marching. 

"  There  they  are ! "  cried  George,  starting  up. 
*'  Excuse  me,  your  reverence,  I  must  see  whether 
they  have  brought  Jovica ;  the  Lieutenant  took  charge 
of  her  when  I  was  obliged  to  leave." 


80  DANIHA. 

"  Who  is  Jovica  ?  "  asked  the  priest,  out  ne  received 
no  answer,  the  young  soldier  had  ah-eady  darted 
out  of  tlie  door,  and  Father  Leonhard  went  to  the 
window. 

It  was  really  Lieutenant  von  Steinach,  wlio  had 
just  arrived  with  his  detachment,  joyously  welcomed 
by  the  garrison  of  the  fort.  The  officers  greeted 
each  other,  and  the  soldiers  openlj^  expressed  their 
satisfaction  in  having  reached  the  place  wliere  thiey 
expected  rest  and  refieshment  after  the  fatiguing 
inarch.  There  was  a  pleasant  bustle  going  on  when 
Geoi'ge  suddenly  appeared,  hastily  saluting  his  lieu- 
tenant, and  then  darted  like  a  bird  of  prey  into  the 
midst  of  his  comrades,  where  he  seemed  to  be  look- 
ing for  something. 

Father  Leonhard  now  went  down  to  welcome  the 
young  officer,  whom  he  had  not  seen  since  his  depar- 
ture from  Cattaro  ;  for,  owing  to  the  peculiar  method 
of  warfare,  the  various  detachments  of  the  regiment 
were  iisually  separated  from  each  other.  At  the  foot 
>of  the  stairs  Gerald  came  toward  him,  accompanied 
by  the  officer  commanding  the  fort.  The  meeting 
was  cordial,  even  affectionate,  but  necessarily  brief. 
Gerald  promised  to  seek  the  reverend  gentleman  fis 
soon  as  possible,  and  then  prepared  to  follow  his 
comrade,  but  in  the  very  act  of  departure  he  turned 
back  and  asked  : 

."  Has  George  told  you  about  his  foundling?  " 

"  What  foundling?  I  don't  know  a  word  of  the 
affair." 

"  George  now  has  a  new  charge,  which,  to  be  sure  is 


DANIRA.  81 

rather  oddly  suited  to   him.     He  has  set  up  for  an 

adopted  father,  and  intends  to  bring  h\s  protSg^e  to 
you.  You  will  hear  the  particulars  from  him.  Au 
revoir^  your  reverence," 

The  gentlemen  went  on,  and  Father  Leonhard 
shook  his  head  with  a  puzzled  look.  He  could  not 
imagine  his  quarrelsome  parishioner  in  the  position 
intimated,  but  he  was  not  to  remain  in  doubt  long, 
for  just  at  that  moment  George  entered  the  corridor 
with  a  young  girl  whom  he  led  by  the  hand  like  a 
child. 

"  The  saints  preserve  me  ! "  cried  the  priest,  who 
was  not  at  all  prepared  for  this  spectacle.  "  What 
is  this  you  are  bringing  me  ?  " 

"  A  savage  I  "  replied  the  young  soldier  with  great 
solemnity.  "  But  you  needn't  be  frightened,  your 
reverence,  she  is  perfectly  tame." 

Father  Leonhard  gazed  in  astonishment  at  the 
delicate  little  creature,  who  scarcely  reached  ta  her 
companion's  shoulder.  She  was  a  very  young  girl, 
hardly  beyond  childhood,  slender  and  shy  as  a 
chamois.  The  dark,  southern  face,  with  its  childish 
features  and  dark  eyes,  had  an  expression  of  timid 
submission  and  gentleness,  while  clothing  so  scanty 
and  miserable  was  only  found  among  the  poorest 
shepherd  tribes  of  the  country. 

"  This  is  Jovica !  "  replied  George,  in  a  tone  which 
seemed  to  imply  that  those  few  words  told  the  whole 
story  ;  but  this  explanation  did  not  satisfy  the  priest, 
who  desired  to  know  who  Jovica  was  and  where  she 
came  from,  so  George  was  obliged  to  condescend  to 
a  longer  narrative. 


82  '  LAN  IRA. 

"  Two  days  ago  we  had  to  capture  a  few  of  the 
mud  and  stone  huts  people  here  call  a  village.  There 
was  sharp  fighting  over  it,  but  we  finally  got  posses- 
sion and  the  inhabitants  fled.  There  I  found  the 
poor  thing,  who  had  been  left  behind  alone,  hidden 
in  a  corner,  half  starved  and  almost  frightened  to 
death.  She  probably  expected  me  to  spear  lier  on 
the  spot,  for  she  was  trembling  from  head  to  foot, 
but  I've  brought  her  to  a  better  opinion  of  the  Tyro- 
lese  imperial  chasseurs,  haven't  I,  Jovica  ?  " 

The  young  girl  evidently  did  not  understand  one 
word  of  the  whole  speech ;  her  large  eyes  rested 
timidly  and  anxiously  on  the  priest,  and  she  pressed 
closer,  with  unmistakable  confidence,  to  her  protec- 
tor, who  now  continued : 

"  The  lieutenant  understands  Slavonic,  so  we  found 
out  that  she  didn't  belong  to  the  village  at  all.  She 
Jmd  come  there  with  a  party  of  fugitives  from  the 
frontier,  and  did  not  even  know  where  her  own  home 
was.  She  made  me  comprehend :  Father  dead — 
mother  dead — all  dead !  So  there  was  nothing  for 
me  to  do  except  fill  the  places  of  father  and  mother 
to  her." 

The  words  were  uttered  so  sincerely  and  honestly 
that  the  priest  could  not  repress  a  faint  smile,  but  he 
said  quietly : 

"  I  think,  George,  it  will  be  best  for  you  to  trust 
the  child  to  me." 

"  Yes,  Lieutenant  von  Steinach  thinks  so  too,  that's 
why  I  brought  Jovica  to  you  ;  but,  your  reverence, 
you'll  have  trouble  with  her,  she  is  a  terrible  pagan. 


DANIRA.  83 

Tlie  very  first  day  it  came  out  that  she  was  still  in 
the  midst  of  heathenism.  She  knows  nothing  about 
church  nor  crucifix,  and  calls  God  "Allah." 

"  Then  the  girl  probably  belongs  to  one  of  the 
Mohammedan  tribes  that  dwell  on  the  frontier.  If 
she  is  really  an  orphan  and  entirely  deserted,  we 
must,  of  course,  take  charge  of  her,  the  only  question 
is  what  we  are  to  do  with  her." 

"  First  of  all,  baptize  her,"  said  George,  in  a  pa- 
ternal tone.  "  That  can  be  done  at  once  here  in  the 
fort,  and  I'll  stand  god-father." 

"  It  cannot  be  arranged  so  unceremoniously.  The 
girl  must  first  be  instructed  in  the  precepts  of  Christ- 
ianity, and  we  must  know  whether  she  will  prove 
susceptible  to  them." 

George  looked  very  much  disappointed  when  the 
baptismal  ceremony,  in  which  he  expected  to  play 
so  important  a  part,  receded  into  the  dim  distance, 
but  he  answered  submissively : 

"  Well,  you  know  best,  your  reverence,  but  the 
poor  thing  can't  remain  a  pagan,  that's  clear." 

"  For  the  present  she  will  stay  here,"  the  priest 
added.  "  I  need  help  in  caring  for  the  wounded, 
and  as  one  of  them  speaks  Slavonic  fluently,  he  can 
act  as  interpreter.     We  will  try  at  once." 

He  was  going  to  take  the  girl  by  the  arm  to  lead 
her  away,  but  Jovica  resisted  with  all  her  strength 
this  attempt  to  separate  her  from  her  protector. 
Clinging  anxiously  to  him,  she  began  to  weep  bit- 
terly, saying  in  an  imploring  tone  a  few  Slavonic 
words,  which  George  understood  no  better  than  she 


84  DANIRA. 

comprehended  his  language,  but  he  stepped  back 
resolutely  and  drew  her  toward  him. 

"  This  won't  do,  your  reverence,"  he  said  emphat- 
ically. "  Jovica  must  be  differently  treated  or  she 
will  cry,  and  I  can't  stand  that.  The  poor  thing  is 
as  timid  as  one  of  our  chamois,  aud  shrinks  from 
every  one  except  me.  One  must  talk  to  her  like  a 
father,  and  I  am  the  only  person  who  understands 
it." 

He  stroked  the  girl's  shining  black  hair  with  a 
soothing  touch,  and  actually  began  a  speech  in  which 
he  arbitrarily  mixed  with  his  Tyrolese  German 
a  few  Slavonic  words  he  had  picked  up  some- 
where. It  sounded  more  barbaric  than  fatherly,  yet 
Jovica  was  evidently  quieted.  She  no  longer  resisted 
when  he  at  last  led  her  to  Father  Leonhard,  and  by 
pantomime  endeavored  to  make  known  his  goodness, 
but  her  eyes  were  still  wet  with  tears  and  rested 
with  touching  persistency  on  her  protector. 

The  latter  seemed  to  have  several  farewell  cere- 
monies in  view,  but  the  priest  put  an  end  to  them  by 
taking  his  charge  away.  George  looked  after  them 
very  calmly.  He  had  now  placed  both  the  affairs  that 
lay  near  his  heart  in  tlie  hands  of  the  priesthood, 
and  was  firmly  convinced  that  Father  Leonhard  would 
deal  with  the  "  witchcraft"  as  well  as  the  paganism. 

He  was  just  turning  to  go,  when  his  comrade  Bar- 
tel  entered  on  his  way  to  report  to  the  lieutenant. 

"  Well,  George,  have  you  got  rid  of  your  found- 
ling ?  "  he  asked,  in  a  jeering  tone.     "  What  does 


DANIRA.  85 

Father  Leonhard  say  to  the  pagau  ?  Will  he  baptize 
her  ?  " 

"  Take  care,  Bartel  !  "  replied  George.  "  You  are 
my  friend  and  countryman,  but  if  you  don't  let  me 
and  Jovica  alone,  you'll  fare  badly." 

Bartel  did  not  heed  the  warning,  but  continued 
his  taunts. 

"  A  pretty  adopted  child  you've  chosen  !  A  pagan 
witch,  brown  as  a  gypsy,  and  ragged  as — " 

He  went  no  further,  for  his  friend  and  countryman 
stretched  out  his  arm  and  dealt  the  scoffer  so  violent 
a  blow  that  he  staggered  back  against  the  wall  and 
held  his  head  between  both  hands  as  though  dazed. 

"  That's  what  happens  to  people  who  talk  about 
Jovica  ! "  said  George  with  perfect  composure. 
"  Take  notice  and  tell  our  comrades,  that  they  may 
govern  themselves  accordingly.  If  necessary,  I'll 
knock  down  the  whole  company,"  and  conscious  of 
having  done  a  good  act,  he  held  his  head  very  high 
as  he  walked  away. 

Lieutenant  von  Steinach  had  kept  his  promise  and 
sought  Father  Leonhard  in  his  room  as  soon  as  he 
found  time  to  do  so  He  was  now  standing  at  the 
window  of  the  small  apartment  gazing  at  the  dreary 
dead  mountain  landscape,  to  which  the  sunset  was 
lending  a  rather  delusive  semblance  of  life. 

The  young  officer,  too,  had  been  little  affected  by 
the  fatigues  of  the  campaign.  True,  his  features 
bore  traces  of  the  scorching  heat  of  the  sun,  and  his 
light  brown  hair  lay  in  thicker,  more  dishevelled 
locks  on  his  brow  and  temples,  but  otherwise   he 


86  DANIRA. 

looked  as  fresh  and  vigorous  as  ever.  The  privations 
of  the  past  few  weeks  seemed  to  have  only  strength- 
ened him. 

Yet  the  priest's  watchful  gaze  discerned  a  change 
which,  though  only  in  the  expression,  was  distinctly 
apparent. 

This  was  not  quiet,  passionless  Gerald  von  Stein- 
ach,  whose  cool  circumspection  had  become  proverb- 
ial among  his  comrades.  There  were  new  lines  on 
his  face,  a  half  gloomy,  half  bitter  expression,  which 
told  of  secret  conflicts  concealed  with  difliculty,  and 
a  deep  shadow  lurked  in  the  eyes  formerly  so  clear. 
He  had  related  his  military  experiences,  discussed 
the  chances  of  the  campaign,  spoken  of  his  home  and 
his  mother,  but  had  never  uttered  a  syllable  in  allu- 
sion to  his  promised  bride,  and  had  even  avoided 
mentioning  Gattaro,  though  the  city  was  the  real 
point  of  departure  of  all  military  operations.  His 
manner  of  speaking  was  also  changed,  it  had  become 
hasty  and  abrupt,  as  though  he  wished  to  deaden 
some  hidden  anxiety  and  did  not  fix  his  thoughts 
upon  the  conversation.  At  last  he  stopped  talking, 
and  his  eyes  rested  dreamily  on  the  distant  prospect. 
The  rocks  still  gleamed  redly  in  the  last  ra3^s  of  the 
setting  sun,  and  on  the  horizon  appeared  long,  sharply 
outlined  clouds,  which  also  still  glowed  with  rosy 
light. 

The  long  silence  which  ensued  roused  Gerald  from 
his  reverie.  He  turned,  and  when  he  saw  the 
priest's  questioning  gaze  fixed  upon  him,  an  indig- 
nant expression  flitted  over  his  face. 


DANIRA.  87 

"I  was  just  watching  the  sky,"  he  said,  hastily. 
"  We  learn  here  to  know  the  signs  of  the  weather  5 
it  seems  as  if  we  were  going  to  have  a  hora.  I'm 
glad  I  have  sheltered  my  men  in  the  fort,  and  that 
there  is  a  probability  of  our  having  a  few  days'  rest." 

"  You  all  need  it,"  replied  Father  Leonhard. 
"•  Especially  you,  Gerald ;  you  have  been  almost  con- 
tinually on  the  move  these  last  weeks." 

"  It  was  necessary ;  the  insurgents  don't  give  us 
much  time  to  breathe.  You  know  it  is  Joan  Obre- 
vic's  son  who  is  now  causing  us  the  most  trouble." 

"  And  this  son  is  chief  of  the  tribe,  and  is  making 
every  exertion  to  avenge  his  father.  It  often  occa- 
sions me  great  anxiety,  Gerald.  You  have  told  me 
your  experiences,  but  you  have  not  mentioned  how 
often  that  vengeance  has  already  threatened  you. 
I  learn  from  your  comrades  that  you  have  hitherto 
escaped  these  open  and  secret  snares  as  though  by  a 
miracle." 

The  young  officer  merely  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  I  am  in  the  hands  of  a  higher  power,  and — it  is 
true — I  have  been  of  late  so  often  and  so  wonder- 
fully preserved  that  I  have  learned  to  trust  this  pro- 
tection." 

"But  he  who  defies  danger,  as  according  to  the 
other  officers  is  your  custom,  also  defies  Providence. 
Your  life  does  not  belong  only  to  yourself,  others 
have  a  claim  upon  it." 

"  My  mother — yes ! "  said  Gerald  slowly.  I 
sometimes  forget  that  she  is  anxious  about  me." 

"  And  your  promised  wife  ?  " 


88  DANIRA. 

The  young  man  silently  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the 
floor. 

"I  hope  you  have  letters  from  her?  Our  mail 
communication  with  Cattaro  is  tolerably  regular." 

Gerald  looked  up,  and  doubtless  read  in  the  priest's 
glance  that  he  knew  more  than  he  cared  to  show, 
for  he  said  quickly  : 

"Has  Colonel  Arlow  written  to  you?" 

"  No,  but  perhaps  I  have  learned  from  another 
source  wliat  you  are  concealing  from  me." 

Gerald  made  no  reply,  but  again  turned  toward 
the  window  and  seemed  to  wisli  to  close  the  conver- 
sation. Father  Leonhard  went  up  to  him  and  laid 
his  hand  on  his  shoulder. 

"  Gerald,  you  have  spent  little  time  at  home  during 
the  last  few  years,  but  surely  you  know  that  I  am  no 
stranger  there.  Will  you  not  speak  freely  to  your 
parents'  friend,  to  the  priest  ?  " 

The  question  sounded  gentle,  yet  grave  and  warn- 
ing, and  did  not  fail  to  produce  an  effect.  Gerald 
passed  his  hand  across  his  brow. 

"  What  am  I  to  say  ?  Do  I  know  myself  what  it  is 
that  oppresses  me?  I  have  been  driven  into  doubts, 
discord  with  my  own  nature.  Had  Edith  and  her 
father  trusted  to  my  honor,  they  would  not  have  re- 
pented it.  The  affair  was  over,  and  I  should  have 
crushed  the  memory  of  it  like  an  evil  dream — for- 
ever I " 

"  A  young  girl  does  not  wish  merely  to  trust  to  her 
lover's  honor  in  keeping  his  troth,"  replied  the  priest 
earnestly.     "  She  asks   his   love,  and  with  perfect 


D  ANTRA.  89 

justice.  Besides,  as  I  understand,  the  colonel  has 
permitted  you  to  return  as  soon  as  you  can  do  so, 
with  a  free  heart.  Have  you  written  to  Fraiilein 
Allow?" 

"  No,"  said  Gerald,  in  a  slow,  dreary  tone. 

"You  could  not?" 

"  No,  I  could  not." 

"  Gerald — this  is  impossible — ^it  cannot  be." 

"  What  is  impossible  ?  "  asked  the  young  man  with 
intense  bitterness,  "  that  the  somnambulist,  who  is 
suddenly  waked  to  see  tlie  gulf  at  his  feet,  should  be 
seized  with  giddiness  ?  Had  he  been  left  undisturbed, 
he  would  have  found  the  way  back.  I  once  thought 
it  impossible  that  a  feeling  could  slumber  for  weeks 
in  the  depths  of  the  soul,  wholly  unsuspected,  till 
suddenly  a  flash  of  lightning  came  to  illumine  the 
darkness,  that  such  a  light  could  alter  the  whole  na- 
ture until  a  man  no  longer  recognized  himself  in  his 
thoughts  and  feelings.  In  Cattaro  I  might  still  have 
conquered  it ;  now  that  I  have  been  alone  for  weeks 
I  know  I  can  no  longer  do  so,  and  thereby  am  sun- 
dered from  my  whole  past,  involved  in  dissension 
with  those  who  stand  nearest  to  me,  engaged  in  per- 
petual warfare  with  myself.  Would  it  not  be  best  if 
I  should  not  return  at  all,  and  will  you  reproach  me 
for  seeking  danger  and  longing  for  the  bullet  that 
will  end  this  torture  ?  " 

He  had  spoken  with  increasing  agitation.  A  ter- 
rible change  had  indeed  taken  place  in  the  quiet  man, 
and  the  priest  was  quite  startled  by  this  fierce,  fever- 
ish impetuosity. 


90  DAN  IRA. 

"I  never  expected  to  see  you  thus,  Gerald,''  he 
said  with  mingled  reproof  and  sorrow.  "  So  it  has 
already  gone  so  far  that  you  seek  death,  that " 

"  We  must  all  look  death  iii  the  face  here,"  Gerald 
interrupted.  "  To  me  he  has  lost  his  terrors,  that  is 
all.  But  we  ought  not  to  spoil  our  meeting  by  such 
discussions.  I  wanted  to  speak  to  you  of  other  matters. 
George  has  already  entrusted  his  charge  to  you,  I 
hear.  He  would  not  rest  till  I  gave  him  permission 
to  take  the  girl  to  the  fort.  The  only  question  is, 
what  is  to  become  of  her  now." 

The  sudden  change  of  subject  plainly  showed  that 
he  wished  to  escape  the  former  topic  of  conversation, 
and  Father  Leonhard  made  no  attempt  to  keep  to  it, 
he  had  already  learned  too  much. 

The  two  men  talked  for  several  minutes  longer 
about  Jovica,  but  neither  felt  at  ease,  and  Gerald 
seized  the  first  opportunity  to  withdraw. 

The  priest  sighed  heavily  as  he  looked  after  him. 

"  How  will  this  end?  "  he  murmured.  "  The  story 
is  true,  incredible  as  it  seems  ;  one  might  almost,  like 
George,  believe  in  witchcraft.  To  be  sure,  when  a 
spark  of  passion  once  kindles  these  calm,  icy  natures, 
the  conflagration  is  terrible." 

The  night  passed  in  the  fort  without  incident;  the 
new  arrivals  especially  gave  themselves  up  to  their 
well  deserved  repose,  but  it  was  not  to  be  long 
granted.  Day  was  just  beginning  to  dawn  when  the 
reveille  suddenly  sounded,  and  the  whole  garrison 
was  speedily  in  motion. 

Father  Leonhard,  who  had  been  occupied  with  the 


DANIRA.  91 

•wounded  men  until  late  at  night,  was  also  roused — 
it  was  needful  here  to  be  always  prepared  for  the 
sudden  outbreak  of  danger — and,  rising,  left  his 
room.  On  the  stairs  he  met  George  in  full  uniform, 
coming  toward  him  in  the  greatest  hurry. 

"Here  you  are,  your  reverence!  My  lieutenant 
has  sent  me  to  tell  you  that  we  must  be  off  at  once. 
He  hasn't  any  time,  and  I  must  be  down  below  in 
five  minutes.  Didn't  I  say  so  !  Scarcely  do  we  ex- 
pect to  get  a  fair  chance  of  sleep  when  these  con- 
founded savages  are  at  us  again." 

"  But  what  is  the  matter  ?  Are  the  insurgents  at- 
tacking the  fort?  " 

"  No ;  but  our  captain  is  fighting  with  them  two 
leagues  from  here.  They  attacked  him  during  the 
night ;  he  can't  hold  out  alone  against  the  superior 
force,  and  has  sent  for  reinforcements.  We  are  to 
join  him.  I  only  wanted  to  ask  you  to  take  care  of 
Jovica,  your  reverence.  The  poor  thing  will  cry  if 
she  doesn't  see  me,  and  I  now  fill  a  father's  place  to 
her." 

"  Have  no  anxiety,  the  young  girl  is  under  my 
protection.     Where  is  your  captain  ?  " 

But  George  was  far  too  much  engrossed  by  his 
paternal  duties  to  have  any  thought  of  anything  else, 
he  continued  hastily  in  broken  accents : 

"  And  if  I  don't  return  at  all,  you  must  at 
least  baptize  the  poor  thing ;  she  can't  remain  in 
paganism.  Promise  me  that,  your  reverence.  There's 
the  signal  again,  and  that  confounded  hora  is  begin- 
ning to  whistle.     But  it  makes  no  difference,  out  we 


92  DANIRA. 

must  go !  I  wish  I  could  wring  tlie  neck  of  this 
whole  Krivoscia — no,  not  the  whole,  Jovica  belongs 
to  tho  country.  No,  no  !  Take  care  of  Jovica  for 
me,  }  our  reverence." 

He  rushed  down  tlie  staircase  to  join  his  comrades. 
Father  Leonhard  followed,  and  was  just  in  time  to 
see  the  fortress  gates  opened.  George  was  already 
standing  in  the  ranks  ;  Gerald,  who  was  at  the  head 
of  his  men,  waved  a  farewell  to  the  priest  with  his 
sword,  and  the  little  band  marched  bravely  out  in  the 
glimmering  dusk  of  early  morn 


UANIRA,  93 


V. 

The  hora  had  been  blowing  all  day  long  with  a 
violence  that  would  have  seemed  dangerous  to  a 
dweller  in  the  lowlands,  but  which  attracted  no 
special  attention  here.  On  the  rocky  heights  of  the 
Karst  the  mountaineers  were  familiar  with  tempests 
that  brought  destruction  to  every  living  thing  in  their 
path,  and  often  hurled  horse  and  rider  over  a  preci- 
pice. To-day  the  wind  had  roared  over  the  earth  and 
howled  fiercely  above  it,  but  it  was  at  least  possible 
to  remain  out  of  doors  and  even  move  forward.  The 
air  was  dry,  the  sky  clear,  and  the  landscape  was 
illumined  by  the  bright  moonlight. 

In  one  of  the  funnel-shaped  ravines  that  intersect 
the  rocky  ridges  of  the  Karst  in  every  direction,  was 
a  so-called  "  village,"  a  mere  handful  of  huts,  rudely 
built  of  stone,  whicli  only  afforded  shelter  from  the 
weather,  and  scarcely  resembled  human  habitations. 
Somewhat  higher  up,  almost  at  the  edge  of  the 
ravine,  but  still  within  the  protection  of  the  rocks, 
stood  a  somewhat  larger  building,  the  only  one  that 
deserved  the  name  of  house.  It  was  firmly  built,  had 
a  door  and  windows,  and  was  divided  inside  into 
several  separate  rooms.  The  first  and  largest  of  these 
apartments  seemed  to  be  used  as  a  common  living- 


94  DAN  III  A, 

room  by  the  occupants.  A  huge  fire  was  blazing  on 
tlie  hearth  and  illumined  the  bare,  smoke-blackened 
walls,  whose  sole  ornaments,  a  crucifix  and  an  image 
of  a  saint,  showed  that  the  inhabitants  were  Chris- 
tians. The  furniture,  though  clumsy  and  roughly 
made,  was  better  than  is  usually  found  in  this  region, 
and  several  wooden  chests  in  the  corners,  apparently 
well  filled,  also  indicated  that  the  owner  of  the  dwell- 
ing was  one  of  the  rich  and  distinguished  men  in  the 
tribe. 

True,  the  weapons  generally  seen  on  the  walls  of 
every  hut  were  absent,  like  the  arms  that  wielded 
them.  The  men  belonging  to  the  village,  who  were 
capable  of  bearing  arms,  were  now  away  at  the  scene 
of  war  or  camped  in  inaccessible  ravines  and  narrow 
passes.  Sometimes  they  secretly  returned  to  their 
homes,  which  stood  open  to  the  troops— the}''  were 
well  aware  that  the  women  and  children  left  behind 
had  nothing  to  fear  from  the  soldiery. 

Upon  the  wooden  table  stood  the  remnants  of  a 
simple  meal,  and  a  young  woman  was  engaged  in 
cleaning  the  pot  in  which  she  had  prepared  it.  She 
did  her  work  swiftly  and  silently,  without  joining 
even  by  a  syllable  in  the  conversation  of  the  two 
men  who  stood  by  the  hearth. 

Both  were  young,  and  true  sons  of  their  country, 
slender,  brown  and  supple,  but  their  dress  and 
whole  appearance  showed  traces  of  the  long  months 
of  conflict  through  which  they  had  passed.  The 
elder,  who  liad  sharp,  eagle-like  features,  and  a  face 
as  hard  and  rigid  as  the  rocks  of  his  home,  was  gaz- 


DANIRA.  95 

ing  gloomily  with  frowning  brow  into  the  fire.  His 
companion,  who  was  several  years  his  junior,  also 
looked  grave  and  gloomy,  but  his  face  lacked  the 
former's  iron  sternness.  Neither  had  laid  aside  his 
weapons ;  they  wore  swords  at  their  sides  and  knives 
thrust  into  tlieir  girdles,  while  their  guns  leaned 
against  the  wall  close  by  within  their  reach. 

"  I  expected  to  hear  better  news  from  you,"  said 
the  elder,  angrily.  "  Another  defeat !  Was  not 
your  force  superior  ?  " 

"Only  at  first,  the  enemy  received  reinforcements, 
and  my  men  have  long  been  disheartened.  You  will 
not  see,  Marco,  that  we  are  constantly  being  forced 
back,  more  and  more  closely  surrounded.  We  are 
the  only  ones  who  still  hold  out — for  how  long?  " 

"Do  you  want  to  sue  for  mercy?"  cried  Marco, 
furiously.  "  Will  3'ou  give  your  hand  to  those  who 
killed  your  father,  as  well  as  mine  ?  If  you  can  for- 
get that  you  are  Ilersovac's  son — my  name  is  Obre- 
vic.  And  the  man  to  whom  1  owe  my  imprisonment 
and  my  father's  death  is  still  unharmed." 

"It  was  he  who  brought  the  foe  aid  to-day,'*  said 
young  Hersovac.  "I  recognized  him  during  the 
fight.  You  will  not  touch  him,  he  has  protected 
himself  by  witchcraft."  : 

"  One  might  believe  so  I  "  muttered  Marco.  "He 
is  no  coward,  he  is  always  in  the  front  of  the  fray. 
How  often  I  have  sought  him  there,  how  often  he 
was  to  have  been  betrayed  into  my  hands  by  strata- 
gem. Others,  the  wrong  ones,  were  always  struck 
and  he  escaped.     But  he  is  still  within  our  frontiers, 


96  DANIRA. 

and  I  have  set  snares  for  him  at  every  step.      If  he 
once  separates  from  his  comrades  he  is  mine ! " 

He  seized  a  log  of  wood  from  the  pile  and  flung  it 
on  the  fire  so  that  the  sparks  flew  in  every  direction; 
it  was  an  expression  of  his  suppressed  fury.  Then 
he  asked  in  a  curt,  sharp  tone  : 

"  Where  is  Danira  ?  Doesn't  she  know  that  I  am 
here?" 

"  Yes,  but  she  refuses  to  come  in.'* 

"  Compel  her,  then  !  "  said  Marco,  roughly. 

"  Compel  Danira  ?     You  do  not  know  my  sister." 

"  I  would  compel  her,  and  I  will,  as  soon  as  she  is 
mine ;  rely  upon  that.    Call  her  in ." 

The  command  sounded  very  imperious,  but  Stephan 
Hersovac  obeyed.  He  was  still  very  young,  and  ap- 
parently not  equal  to  the  position  circumstances  had 
forced  upon  him. 

Only  the  elder  of  the  sons  of  the  two  fallen  leaders 
seemed  capable  of  taking  his  father's  place,  yet  they 
had  grown  up  together  like  brothers  in  the  house  of 
Joan  Obrevic  after  the  latter  brought  his  dead 
friend's  son  home.  But,  even  in  those  days,  the 
energetic  Marco  exerted  authority  over  his  younger 
and  more  yielding  friend.  Stephan  was  accustomed 
to  submit  to  him,  and  did  so  absolutely,  now  that  he 
stood  at  the  head  of  the  tribe. 

After  a  few  minutes  Danira  appeared.  She,  too, 
wore  the  costume  of  the  country,  yet  even  here  in 
her  home  there  was  something  foreign  in  her  aspect. 
She  had  nothing  at  all  in  common  with  the  women 
of  her  race,  the  timid,  humble  creatures  born  and 


DANIRA.  97 

reared  to  subjection.  There  was  a  cold  pride  in  her 
bearing  as  she  approached  Marco  and  bent  her  head, 
as  though  his  imperious  summons  had  been  a  peti- 
tion, and  she  had  granted  it. 

Obrevic  must  have  received  this  impression,  for 
liis  eyes  glowed  with  a  fervent,  passionate  admira- 
tion, although  his  voice  remained  cold  and  harsh,  as 
he  asked : 

"  Can  you  not  greet  the  guest  who  comes  to  your 
brother's  hearth,  or  don't  you  wish  to  do  so?  " 

"  Did  you  miss  my  greeting  ?  "  was  the  cool  reply. 
"  You  only  came  to  hold  a  conference  with  Stephan, 
and  your  meal  was  already  provided." 

"No  matter  !  It  is  seemly  for  you  to  welcome  the 
man  to  whom  your  brother  has  promised  your  hand. 
You  have  long  known  that.'" 

"  And  you  know  that  I  do  not  recognize  this 
promise.     I  have  never  given  you  mine." 

"  Among  us  a  woman  has  no  will,"  replied  Marco, 
imperiously.  "  Your  brother  is  now  the  head  of  the 
house.  He  has  a  right  to  dispose  of  you,  and  will 
compel  you  to  obey — he  or  1 !  " 

"  Try  it  ! " 

The  two  words  were  spoken  with  perfect  calmness, 
but  such  unyielding  resolution  that  Marco  stamped 
his  foot  furiously. 

"Have  you  learned  defiance  among  the  people 
down  below?  You  have  now  returned  to  us,  and 
none  of  the  follies  they  taught  3^ou  suit  this  place." 

"You   are    mistaken.       I   have   left    everything 

there — ."    The  sfirl's  voice  trembled  for  a  moment. 

7 


98  DANIRA. 

Then  she  repeated,  with  passionate,  almost  angry 
emphasis  :  "  Everything.  Ask  my  brother  Avhether 
I  shrink  from  the  labor  of  which  I  was  ignorant, 
whether  I  refuse  to  do  what  is  imposed  upon  me.  I 
ask  only  one  thing — to  be  free  !  And  I  shall  not  be, 
if  I  belong  to  a  husband.  I  did  not  fly  fi'om  cap- 
tivity to  enter  slavery,  and  with  you  a  wife  is  a  slave." 

Her  eyes  wandered  with  a  half  pitying,  half  scorn- 
ful glance  toward  her  brother's  wife,  who,  still  busied 
with  her  work,  crouched  beside  the  hearth  ;  spite  of 
her  youth  and  beauty  the  stamp  of  servitude  was 
plainly  visible.  Scarcely  as  old  as  Danira,  she  was 
already  worn  by  the  hard  burden  of  toil  that  rested 
almost  entirely  upon  her  shoulders.  She  had  pre- 
pared the  meal,  and  waited  on  the  men  without  re- 
ceiving the  slightest  notice  from  them.  Even  in  her 
husband's  presence  she  showed  nothing  but  timid 
shyness  and  submission,  and  now  gazed  with  actual 
horror  at  the  girl  who  ventured  to  say  such  things  to 
a  man.  Her  whole  appearance  and  bearing  formed 
a  convincing  proof  of  the  truth  of  Danira's  words, 
and  this  exasperated  the  fierce  Obrevic. 

" Do  you  want  to  teach  us  foreign  customs?"  he 
furiously  exclaimed.  "  With  us  the  husband  is  the 
only  person  of  importance,  and  what  our  wives  liave 
been  they  will  remain." 

Danira  drew  herself  up  proudly,  her  eyes  flashed, 
and  with  passionate  pride  she  retorted  : 

"But  I  am  not  like  your  M'omen,  and  never  will 
be — that  is  the  very  reason  I  will  belong  to  none  of 
you." 


DAN  IRA.  99 

Her  defiance  irritated  Marco,  but  at  the  same  time 
produced  an  impression  upon  him,  for  it  contained  a 
.shade  of  his  own  unbridled,  unbending  will.  His 
liand  was  still  clenched,  but  as  his  eyes  rested  on  the 
beautiful  face,  glowing  with  excitement,  he  mur- 
mured : 

"  No,  you  are  different — that  is  why  I  cannot  give 
you  up." 

A  pause  ensued  ;  Danira  stooped  and  began  to  put 
fresh  fuel  on  the  dying  fire.  Her  hands  showed  that 
she  had  learned  to  work  and  did  not  spare  herself, 
but  every  movement  was  full  of  grace  and  power. 

Marco  silently  watched  her,  and  suddenly  advanc- 
ing a  step  nearer  seized  the  girl's  arm,  asking  in  an 
abrupt,  vehement  tone  : 

"  Why  do  you  scorn  my  suit  ?  I  am  the  chief,  the 
richest  man  in  the  tribe,  even  richer  than  your 
brother.  You  need  not  labor  like  the  other  women, 
you  shall  be  no  slave  in  my  house — no,  Danira,  I 
promise  3'ou  ! ' 

There  was  a  strange  blending  of  sullen  menace  and 
ardent  passion  in  the  words,  nay,  even  an  accent  of 
entreaty  in  the  promise.  It  was  evident  that  the 
rude  son  of  the  mountains  was  completely  under  the 
thrall  of  a  feeling  experienced  for  the  first  time,  and 
which  subdued  his  masculine  obstinacy.  He  pleaded 
where,  in  his  opinion,  he  was  entitled  to  demand,  but 
Danira  with  quiet  decision  released  her  arm. 

"  You  cannot  act  contrary  to  your  nature,  Marco, 
even  if  you  wished.  You  must  rule  and  oppress,  and 
when  angered  you  know  no  limits.     You  bend  even 


100  DANIRA, 

my  brother  absolutely  to  your  will ;  what  Avould  be 
your  wife's  fate  ?  And  is  this  a  time  to  think  of 
marriage  ?  Ste]3han  lias  just  told  you  what  lias 
happened  ;  he  has  been  defeated." 

"  For  the  third  time  !  By  all  the  saints,  I  would 
not  liave  allowed  myself  to  be  routed,  but  Stephan 
is  no  leader — never  has  been." 

"  My  brother  is  still  very  young,"  replied  Danira. 
"  He  lacks  experience,  not  courage,  and  can  do  noth- 
ing for  a  lost  cause,  for — whether  you  admit  it  or 
not — our  cause  is  lost.  You  alone  still  hold  out,  but 
3^ou  cannot  accomplish  what  is  impossible." 

"  Silence  !  "  cried  Obrevic  in  a  fierce  outbreak  of 
wrath.  "  What  do  you  know  about  it  ?  Has  Ste- 
phan already  infected  you  with  his  cowardice?  He 
talks  of  submission,  and  you " 

"  Not  T  ! "  Danira  interrupted.  "  I  can  understand 
that  you  must  conquer  or  fall.  1  wish  I  could  die 
with  you,  if  it  comes  to  that.  Destruction  is  no  dis- 
grace— but  there  is  shame  in  submission." 

The  words  had  a  ring  of  iron  resolution  which 
showed  that  the  girl  was  quite  capable  of  verifying 
them  if  matters  proceeded  to  extremes.  Marco  felt 
this,  for  without  averting  his  gaze  from  her  face  he 
said  slowly : 

"  You  ought  to  have  been  the  man  and  Stejjhan  the 
woman.  You  have  inherited  your  father's  blood — he 
did  not." 

He  held  out  his  hand  .and  clasped  hers  with  a  firm 
pressure,  such  as  was  usually  exchanged  only  between 
men.     Danira  had  compelled  him  to  recognize  lier  as 


DANIBA.  101 

liis  equal.     The  clasp  of  the  hand  acknowledged  it. 

"  You  are  right,"  he  continued.  "  This  is  no  time 
to  think  of  marriage,  we  have  better  things  to  do. 
But  when  the  time  conies — and  come  it  will — you 
shall  be  mine,  Danira,  I  have  sworn  it  and  will  keep 
my  vow." 

The  light  of  passion  again  glowed  in  his  eyes,  but 
the  young  girl  was  spared  a  rej^ly,  for  Stephan  en- 
tered and  the  two  men  began  to  equip  themselves  for 
departure.  The  farewell  was  brief  and  laconic. 
These  rude  sons  of  the  mountains  were  fully  capable 
of  passions  but  mere  emotions  where  wholly  alien  to 
their  natures. 

Even  Stephan  did  not  think  of  taking  any  warmer 
leave  of  his  young  wife,  who  approached  to  hand  him 
his  gun,  yet  they  had  been  only  a  few  months 
wedded,  and  the  two  men  might  expect  death  at  any 
hour.  Marco,  in  the  act  of  departure,  turned  once 
more  to  Danira  with  the  question : 

"  Were  there  any  soldiers  in  the  village  this  morn- 
ing?" 

"  Yes,  but  they  only  rested  a  short  time,  and 
marched  on  scarcely  an  hour  after." 

"  Others  will  probably  come  to-night  or  early  to- 
morrow. They  are  seeking  us,  as  they  have  so  often 
done,  and  will  not  find  us  unless  we  wish  to  be 
found.     If  they  ask,  put  them  on  a  false  trail." 

The  young  girl  shook  her  head.  "  You  know  1 
cannot  lie.  And  they  never  ask,  they  know  we  will 
not  betray  our  people — Stephan  is  to  join  you  with 
his  men?" 


102  DANIRA. 

"  Yes,  at  once,  that  we  may  be  united  in  the  next 
attack.     Farewell ! " 

The  two  men  went  out  and  ascended  to  the  top  of 
the  ravine.  Their  dark  figures  were  visible  for  a 
time,  making  their  way  vigorously  against  the  gale, 
then  they  vanished  and  the  village  lay  silent  and 
desolate,  apparently  wrapped  in  slumber,  as  before. 

Stephan  Hersovac's  house  was  also  silent,  but 
Danira  still  sat  by  the  hearth,  constantly  putting 
fresh  logs  upon  the  dying  fire,  as  if  she  dreaded  dark- 
ness and  sleep.  Her  sister-iu-law  had  already  gone 
to  rest.  She  did  not  understand  how  any  one  could 
shorten  or  wholly  resign  the  only  solace  of  a  toilsome 
life,  slumber,  and  had  nothing  to  think  about,  so  she 
was  sound  asleep  in  the  dark  room  adjoinhig. 

The  young  girl  had  closed  the  door  leading  to  it, 
in  order  to  be  entirely  alone,  and  was  now  gazing 
fixedly  into  the  flames.  Without  the  tempest  raved, 
and  within  the  fire  snapped  and  crackled,  but  Danira 
saw  and  heard  nothing.  She  was  dreaming,  dream- 
ing with  her  burning  eyes  wide  open,  and  from  the 
floating  smoke  appeared  visions  far,  far  removed  from 
the  darkness  and  solitude  of  the  hour — a  wide,  wide 
landscape,  flooded  with  golden  sunshine,  and  over- 
arched by  a  deep-blue  sky,  towering  mountain  peaks, 
shimmering  waves,  and  in  the  distance  a  surging  sea, 
veiled  by  the  mists  of  morning  ! 

Above  the  wliole  scene  hovered  a  face,  looking 
down  upon  her  with  stern  severity,  bitter  reproach, 
as  in  that  hour  on  llie  rocky  lieight,  that  hour  which 
had  decided  the  fate  of  two  human  beings. 


DANIRA.  103 

They  had  not  seen  each  other  since,  and  to  separa- 
tion was  added  enmity,  for  the  two  parties  to  which 
they  belonged  now  confronted  each  other  in  mortal 
strife.  And  yet — the  visionary  face  began  to  lose  its 
harsh  expression,  softened  more  and  more,  until 
finally  it  disappeared,  and  only  two  clear  eyes  gazed 
forth  from  the  drifting  wreaths  of  smoke,  the  bright, 
clear  eyes  of  Gerald  von  Steinach,  no  longer  full  of 
hate  and  enmity,  but  instinct  with  that  one  emotion 
which  had  awaked  in  that  hour  never  to  die  again. 

Just  at  that  moment  one  of  the  glowing  logs  broke 
and  others  fell,  sending  out  a  shower  of  sparks. 
Danira  started  and  looked  up.  The  dream  still  ab- 
sorbed her  so  completely  that  she  needed  several 
seconds  to  recall  where  she  was,  but  her  surround- 
ings soon  brought  her  back  to  reality.  Yes,  this 
close,  gloomy  room,  with  its  bare  walls  and  wretched 
household  furniture,  its  smoky,  stifling  atmosphere 
— this  was  the  home  for  which  she  had  longed  since 
childhood,  and  this  life,  spent  day  after  day  in  hard, 
common  toil,  destitute  of  every  intellectual  element, 
was  the  freedom  of  which  she  had  dreamed. 

The  commandant's  adopted  daughter,  who  had 
been  surrounded  in  his  house  with  all  the  requisites 
of  luxury  and  culture,  now  learned  to  know  what 
she  had  given  up  and  what  she  had  obtained  in  ex- 
change. Obrevic  had  told  the  truth.  Here  the 
man  was  the  only  person  of  importance,  and  the 
idea  of  freedom,  fierce  and  unbridled  as  it  might 
be,  existed  for  him  alone  ;  the  wife  was  merely  the 
best  piece  of  furniture    in  the  house,  the  beast   of 


104  BAKIRA. 

burden  who  bore  the  labors  of  the  home,  and 
always  trembled  in  slavish  fear  of  her  stern  master. 
So  the  custom  of  the  tribe  required,  and  to  this  cus- 
tom all  who  belonged  to  it  must  bow. 

No  matter,  she  had  chosen  her  own  fate,  and 
Danira's  resolute  will  repressed  the  loathing  she  felt 
for  these  surroundings  and  this  treatment,  which  she 
had  endured  without  complaint ;  but  now  the  worst 
came.  She  was  sought  in  marriage  by  a  man  with 
whose  rudeness  and  fierceness  she  was  sufficiently 
familiar,  and  thereby  the  last  remnant  of  indepen- 
dence was  lost.  JVIarco's  ardent  passion  still  gave  her 
power  over  him.  He  still  yielded  to  the  influence  of 
a  higher  nature,  and  was  charmed  and  allured  by 
what  was  refused,  but  only  so  long  as  it  continued 
to  be  denied.  When  once  his  property,  the  old  tyr- 
anny would  assert  its  rights,  and  his  wife  would 
have  no  better  lot  than  the  other  women  of  her  race. 
Sooner  or  later  she  would  be  forced  to  choose  be- 
tween accepting  him  for  her  husband  or  quitting  her 
brother's  house,  for  the  latter,  incited  and  irritated 
by  his  friend,  would  undoubtedly  try  this  means  of 
subduing  her  will.  Then  she  would  be  thrust  out 
by  her  kindred,  for  whom  she  had  sacrificed  every- 
thing, homeless  here  as  well  as  there  ! 

Danira  had  started  up,  and  was  pacing  to  and  fro 
in  the  narrow  space,  as  though  pursued  by  torturing 
thoughts.  Her  movements  grcAv  more  and  more  im- 
petuous, her  bosom  heaved  passionately,  and  she  sud- 
denly sank  down  before  llie  crucifix  and  pressed  her 
burning  brow  against  the  cold  wall.  The  prayer  that 


DANIRA.  105 

rose  to  heaven  was  fervent  and  despairing,  though 
silent;  a  prayer  for  deliverance,  for  release  from 
the  fetters  that  constantly  encircled  her  more  closely. 
She  must  sink  under  them,  unless  rescue  came. 

Meantime,  the  hora  was  blowing  outside  with  un- 
diminished violence,  and  the  two  figures  that  now 
appeared  on  the  edge  of  the  ravine  had  great  diffi- 
culty in  making  a  stand  against  it.  The  moonlight 
showed  that  both  men  wore  the  Austrian  uniform. 
They  had  moved  forward  as  fast  as  the  gale  permit- 
ted, but  now  stopped,  and  were  evidently  trying  to 
examine  their  surroundings. 

"  I  don't  know,  Herr  Lieutenant — the  story  doesn't 
seem  to  me  exactly  straight,"  said  one.  "  The  place 
down  yonder  is  as  dark  and  silent  as  if  every  human 
being  in  it  were  dead.    Are  you  really  going  into  it  ?  " 

It  was  George  Moosbach's  voice,  and  the  reply 
came  from  the  lips  of  Gerald  von  Steinach,  who,  in 
his  usual  quiet,  resolute  manner,  said : 

"  Of  course  I  am,  for  this  is  evidently  the  right 
place.  It  is  the  village  our  troops  entered  this  morn- 
ing.     I  recognize  it  distinctly  from  the  description." 

"  But  there  isn't  a  mouse  moving  below,  far  less 
an  Imperial  Chasseur.  We  must  have  been  already 
seen,  yet  no  one  has  challenged  us." 

"  I,  too,  noticed  the  absence  of  sentinels.  I  fear 
our  men  must  have  been  forced  to  retreat,  leaving 
the  wounded  officer  in  charge  of  the  necessary  escort. 
The  message  to  me  was  all  right  at  any  rate,  for  the 
shepherd  had  brought,  as  his  credentials,  Salten's 
portfolio  containing  his  notes." 


106  DANIEA. 

" But  it's  queer  that  lie  wanted  to  speak  to  you  iu 
particular,"  George  persisted.  "  I  stick  to  it,  I  don't 
like  the  looks  of  the  business,  still  less  those  of  the 
ragged  lad  who  acted  as  messenger.  He  had  the 
face  of  a  knave.  If  only  there  isn't  some  piece  of 
deviltry  in  it !" 

"  You  see  mischief  and  snares  everywhere,"  replied 
Gerald,  impatiently,  as  he  prepared  to  descend  into 
the  ravine.  "  Am  I  to  refuse  the  request  of  a 
severely  wounded  comrade,  who  wants  to  see  me  and 
perhaps  has  a  last  commission  to  give  ?  To  be  sure 
it  would  have  been  more  agreeable  to  me  to  have 
taken  the  peril  as  well  as  the  responsibility  of  this 
errand  on  myself  alone." 

"  But  not  to  me,"  replied  George.  "  If  our  lives 
are  at  stake  I  would  far  rather  be  here,  and  it  will 
come  to  that.  That  confounded  boy  has  vanished  as 
though  the  earth  had  swallowed  him.  It's  the  way 
with  all  these  savages  !  The  whole  tribe  is  in  league 
with  witches." 

"The  lad  has  run  on  before  to  announce  our 
arrival,"  said  the  young  officer,  who  appeared  to  have 
no  thought  of  danger.  "  He  forgot  to  tell  us  the 
direction,  so  we  must  find  the  way  ouiselves.  Yon- 
der house  seems  to  me  to  be  the  only  one  at  all  suit- 
able for  the  recej^tion  of  a  wounded  oificer.  We 
will  go  there  first." 

"  Thank  God,  a  man  can  at  least  breathe  here  ! " 
muttered  George,  who  had  just  gained  the  shelter  of 
the  rocks.  "  If  they  call  this  a  'little'  bora,  I'd  like 
to  see  a  big  one.  I  wish  it  would  sweep  this  Krivos- 


DAN  IRA.  107 

cia  off  the  face  of   the  earth  and  lus  back  to   Tyrol." 

Meantime  Gerald  had  approached  the  house, 
through  whose  closed*  shutters  a  faint  ray  of  light 
was  shining.  The  gale  wliich  had  prevented  his 
footsteps  from  being  heard  also  drowned  his  knock, 
and  as  no  answer  came  from  \\  ithin,  the  officer  push- 
ed the  door  open  and  entered. 

The  fire,  still  blazing  brightly  on  the  hearth,  threw 
its  glare  full  upon  the  newcomers,  clearly  revealing 
their  figures,  but  at  the  same  tiine  dazzled  them  so 
that,  for  a  moment,  they  could  see  nothing  distinctly 
and  did  not  even  notice  the  woman  kneeling  in  the 
shadow  of  the  wall. 

Danira  started  and  tried  to  rise,  but  her  limbs 
seemed  to  refuse  their  service.  Motionless,  she  gazed 
with  dilat-ed  eyes  upon  the  vision  which  appeared  be- 
fore her  from  the  storm  and  darkness  outside,  as 
though  her  own  thoughts  had  assumed  form  and 
substance.  Not  until  Gerald  advanced  did  she  be- 
come conscious  of  the  reality  of  his  presence.  A 
half  stifled  cry  escaped  her  lips.  This  sudden,  uu' 
expected  meeting  tore  the  veil  from  the  gii'l's  soul, 
and  she  called  the  name  never  before  uttered  : 

"  Gerald !  " 

"  Danira  !  "  came  the  answer  in  a  tone  of  such 
passionate  joy  that  George,  who  had  entered  behind 
his  lieutenant,  hastened  to  his  side,  murmuring  under 
his  breath  in  an  accent  of  horror  : 

"  May  all  good  spirits  guard  us !  There's  the 
witch :  " 

An  instant's  pause  followed.     Danira  was  the  first 


108  DANIBA. 

who  tried  to  regain  her  self-command,  though  it  was 
only  an  attempt. 

"  Herr  von  Steinach  !  I  thought — I  did  not  ex« 
pect  to  see  you  again." 

"  And  I  did  not  suspect  that  you  lived  in  this 
house,"  said  Gerald,  to  whom  George's  movement 
had  also  restored  composure,  for  it  reminded  him  that 
this  interview  must  have  no  witnesses.  He  therefore 
turned,  saying  with  forced  calmness  : 

"  This  young  lady  will  be  the  best  person  to  give 
me  the  information  we  desire.  Wait  outside  the  door 
till  I  call  you." 

George  knew  the  meaning  of  subordination  and 
was  accustomed  to  obey  his  lieutenant  implicitly, 
but  this  time  every  fibre  of  his  being  rebelled  against 
discipline.  In  his  eyes  Gerald  was  bewitched  ;  and 
therefore  wholly  incapable  of  sound  judgment  as 
soon  as  the  witchcraft  came  into  play.  To  leave  him 
with  the  cause  of  all  the  mischief  was  resigning  him 
to  destruction. 

As  a  Christian  and  a  T3'rolese  George  felt  it  his 
duty  to  protect  him  from  a  danger  far  worsethan  those 
which  imperilled  life  and  limb,  for  here  the  soul's 
salvation  Avas  at  stake.  So  he  drew  himself  up,  raised 
his  hand  to  his  cap  and  said  respectfully  : 

"  By  your  leave,  Herr  Lieutenant,  I  will  stay." 

Gerald  frowned  and  looked  at  him — it  was  only 
one  glance,  but  the  young  Tyrolese  had  remembered 
the  threatening  flash  from  the  hour  he  had  attempted 
to  obtain  an  insiglit  into  the  affair  of  mingled  love 
and  witchcraft,  and  all  inclination  for  further  resist- 


IJANIRA.  109 

ance  instantly  vanished.  As  Gerald,  without  a  word, 
pointed  with  a  quiet,  imperious  wave  of  the  hand  to 
the  door,  George,  though  still  far  from  having  conquer- 
ed his  alarm,  found  it  advisable  to  obey,  but  once 
outside  he  clasped  his  hands  in  a  hurried  prayer. 

"  Saint  George  and  all  the  saints  aid  him  !  She  has 
got  him  now — may  the  Lord  have  mercy  upon  him!" 

The  two  who  remained  behind  were  alone — they 
still  confronted  each  other  in  silence,  but  Gerald's 
eyes  rested  as  if  spellbound  upon  the  young  girl,  who 
had  slowly  risen  and  advanced  into  the  circle  of  light 
cast  by  the  fire.  The  ruddy  glow  made  her  figure 
stand  out  in  relief  against  the  dark  background  like 
a  picture,  a  picture  that  certainly  did  not  suit  the 
frame  of  this  small,  gloomy  room. 

Danira's  beauty  was  fully  displayed  for  the  first 
time,  now  that  she  wore  the  costume  of  the  country, 
whose  picturesque  cut  and  coloring  seemed  to  have 
been  created  especially  for  her.  The  braids  of  black 
hair  fell  uuconfined  in  all  their  weight  and  luxuriance, 
and  her  whole  bearing  was  free,  fetterless  and 
haughty,  as  though  relieved  from  the  burden  of  a 
dependence  that  had  oppressed  her  for  years,  released 
from  the  bonds  of  the  gratitude  reason  imposed  upon 
her,  but  against  which  her  heart  continually  rebelled. 
It  was  the  daughter  of  the  fallen  chief  who  had 
already  conquered  a  moment's  self-forgetfulness,  and 
now,  with  all  the  pride  of  her  blood  and  lineage, 
faced  the  man  whom  she  again  regarded  as  the  ene- 
my of  her  people. 

"  I  believe,  Herr  von  Steinach,  that  the  circum 


110  DAN  IRA. 

stances  of  our  parting  were  too  peculiar  for  us  to 
greet  this  meeting  with  pleasure,"  she  said  at  last. 
It  was  the  old  icy  tone,  specially  intended  to  efface 
that  one  unguarded  moment,  and  it  partially  accom- 
plished its  purpose. 

The  young  officer's  manner  also  grew  colder  and 
more  formal  as  he  replied  : 

"  Then  you  must  reproach  accident,  not  me,  for 
this  interview.  I  repeat  I  had  no  suspicion  who 
lived  in  this  house.     Only  duty  called  me  here." 

"I  do  not  doubt  it.  We  are  accustomed  to  see 
troops  in  our  homes,  though  they  find  only  women 
and  children  to  combat." 

"  Who  are  fearlessly  left  behind  because  it  is  well 
known  that  we  do  not  attack  the  defenseless.  True, 
we  have  the  men  to  deal  with  only  when  they  assail 
us  from  some  safe  ambush." 

"  We  are  at  war,"  said  Danira  curtly.  "  Any  ad- 
vantage is  allowable  in  warfare." 

"And  who  forced  this  war  upon  us  ?  We  did  not 
seek  it,  but  the  enforcement  of  a  law  was  at  stake,  a 
law  we  could  not  resign  and  which  is  recognized 
throughout  the  Avhole  vast  empire.  Your  tribe  is 
the  onl}'  one  that  refuses  to  obey  it." 

"  Because  the  free  sons  of  the  mountains  cannot 
and  will  not  bow  to  the  yoke.  You  will  try  in  vain 
to  subdue  them." 

The  words  had  a  sharper  sting  than  was  necessary, 
for  a  dark  flush,  the  token  of  ill-repressed  excite- 
ment, had  long  since  crimsoned  the  young  officer's 
brow,  and  his  answer  was  cutting  in  its  sharpness. 


DANIRA.  Ill 

"  We  regard  military  service  as  an  honor,  not  a 
yoke.  At  least  it  is  a  duty.  Of  course  the  idea  of 
duty  does  not  enter  into  the  unbridled  caprice  youi- 
people  call  liberty ;  it  must  first  be  taught.  But, 
rely  upon  it,  Fraiilein,  we  shall  teach  it  yet.  I  may 
be  permitted  to  suppose  that  you  are  informed  of  the 
last  events  of  the  campaign,  and  know  that  the  fate 
of  the  insurrection  is  already  decided." 

Danira,  of  course,  knew  this,  she  had  even  spoken 
of  it  to  Marco  an  hour  before,  but  nothing  in  the 
world  would  have  induced  her  to  admit  it  to  this 
man,  so  with  the  courage  of  despair  she  answered  : 

"  Do  not  triumph  too  soon  !  Marco  Obrevic  still 
holds  out,  and  with  him  the  bravest  of  our  people. 
They  can  die,  but  they  will  not  surrender." 

Gerald  started  at  the  name ;  a  strangely  gloomy, 
searching  glance  rested  on  the  young  girl. 

"  Marco  Obrevic  !  "  he  repeated.  "  So  you  know 
him — very  well  ?  " 

"  He  is  my  brother's  friend." 

"  And  owes  you  his  freedom — for  the  plan  of  es- 
cape was  doubtless  your  work  ?  " 

"At  least  I  had  a  share  in  it.  True,  Marco's 
liberty  was  purchased  at  a  high  price,  it  cost  him  his 
father  and  our  tribe  a  chief.  Joan  Obrevic  fell  by 
your  bullet." 

"  I  did  my  duty,  and  besides,  tlie  fugitives  fired  at 
me  first.  I  will  repeat  the  words  you  just  uttered: 
we  are  at  war." 

Reproach  and  retort  sounded  equally  bitter  and 
hostile,  and  the  manner  of  both  was  as  rigid  and  im- 


112  DANIRA. 

placable  as  if  they  were  really  mortal  foes,  yet  their 
eyes  spoke  a  very  different  language  from  that  of 
hate.  Gerald  could  not  avert  his  gaze  from  the  beau- 
tiful, hostile  face ;  he  had  forgotten  everything  else, 
even  the  summons  of  his  wounded  comrade,  and  only 
sought  the  eyes  which  shunned  his,  yet  as  though  at- 
tracted by  some  magnetic  power,  constantly  returned 
to  them. 

"  I  do  not  reproach  you  for  that  accident,"  said 
Danira,  and  for  the  first  time  her  tone  sounded  more 
gentle.  "  But  you  too  have  doubtless  now  recalled 
the  charge  3^ou  hurled  at  me  then  with  such  scathing 
fury.  The  purpose  for  which  I  used  my  knowledge 
of  the  place  and  circumstances  was  only  to  effect 
Obrevic's  escape.  My  people  called  upon  me  to  do 
it,  and  summoned  me  to  return  to  them — they  had  a 
right  to  ask  both." 

"  If  you  admit  the  right — certainly.  Only  it  is 
strange  that  your  kindred  left  you  so  long  in  the 
home  and  under  the  charge  of  an  alien,  that  they  did 
not  inquire  about  you  once  during  all  those  yea.rs. 
Not  until  they  needed  you  did  they  find  tlic  way  to 
reach  you,  though,  according  to  appearances,  it  was 
so  easily  discovered.  Up  to  that  time  your  relatives 
had  forgotten  you  and  did  not  know  whether  you 
were  alive  or  dead." 

The  taunt  struck  home  ;  Danira's  haughty  head 
drooped.  It  was  needless  to  tell  her  that  she  had 
been  only  a  means  to  an  end — she  had  known  it  long 
before.  Gerald  advanced  a  step  nearer,  and  his 
voice  also  lost  its  icy  tone  as  he  continued: 


DANIRA.  113 

"No  matter,  you  have  made  your  choice  and  re- 
turned to  your  lionie — are  you  ]iappy  ?" 

"  I  am  free  !     That  is  all  I  ask." 

"  And  how  long  will  you  remain  so?  During  our 
expeditions  I  have  gained  an  insight  into  the  cus- 
toms of  the  country  and  know  the  fate  to  which  they 
condemn  women.  As  soon  as  you  marry,  this  lot 
will  be  yours.  Is  it  possible  that  a  high-spirited 
girl,  with  this  energetic  will  and  ardent  desire  for 
freedom,  can  endure  to  be,  not  the  companion,  but 
the  slave  of  a  rough,  fierce  man,  who  does  not  even 
know  the  name  of  intellectual  needs  and  will  piti- 
lessly trample  upon  every  higher  emotion,  because  he 
values  only  the  capacity  for  work  she  shares  with  his 
domestic  animals,  who  daily " 

"Stop — that  is  not  true  !  "  Danira  vehemently  in- 
terrupted, for  she  felt  whom  he  was  describing, 
though  no  name  was  spoken.  But  the  young  officer 
did  not  allow  himself  to  be  checked,  and  added  with 
marked  emphasis  : 

"  It  is  true,  and  of  this  truth  you  will  perish. 
Deny  it  as  you  will,  the  charm  with  which  your  im- 
agination invested  your  home  has  vanished,  must 
have  vanished  at  the  moment  when  you  beheld  the 
reality,  and  the  chasm  which  formerly  apparently  di- 
vided you  from  us,  yawned  a  gigantic  abyss  on  the 
other  side.  You  can  no  longer  descend  to  these 
people  with  their  brutal  customs.  You  are  ours ;  in 
every  thought  and  feeling  you  belong  to  us,  but  you 
have  all  the  defiance  of  your  race,  which  will  bleed 
and  die  rather  than  submit  to  a  higher  law." 
8 


]  1 4  DANIRA. 

He  had  spoken  with  increasing  excitement,  and 
Danira  no  longer  tried  to  interrupt  him ;  these  were 
lier  own  thoughts,  her  own  dread  which  had  just 
forced  themselves  upon  her  with  such  annihilating 
jDower.  Word  after  word  fell  from  his  lips  as  if  he  had 
been  listening  to  her;  she  could  no  longer  deny  their 
truth,  nay,  did  not  wish  to  do  so. 

She  slowly  raised  her  head,  but  a  dark  fire  was 
glowing  in  her  eyes.  Gerald  could  not  help  think- 
ing again  of  the  tempestuous  night  illumined  by 
flashes  of  lightning.  His  pitiless  words  had,  roused, 
with  the  young  girl's  pride,  all  her  former  energy  ; 
she  drew  herself  up  to  her  full  height. 

"Perhaps  you  are  right!  Well,  then,  I  am  a 
daughter  of  my  race  and  can  bleed  and  die — I  can- 
not submit.  If  my  birth  and  my  education  brought 
me  into  perpetual  conflict  with  myself,  I  have  solved 
it  by  returning  here,  and  this  decision  is  to  me  irre- 
vocable. I  cannot  have  only  half  my  heart  here  as 
well  as  there;  I  have  made  my  choice, and  if  it  costs 
me  happiness  and  life,  be  it  so,  I  will  die  by  it." 

There  was  such  unyielding  resolution  in  the  words 
that  Gerald  did  not  even  attempt  a  reply.  He  gazed 
silently  at  the  young  girl,  who  stood  before  him  so 
pale  and  gloomy ,  then  his  eyes  wandered  slowly 
around  the  squalid  room,  with  its  smoking  fire  and 
smoke-blackened  walls,  and  a  vague  presentiment 
stole  over  him  that  this  external  and  internal  conflict 
could  end  only  with  life. 

*'  So  I  am  to  part  from  you  as  a  foe,  for  I  still  re- 
main one  in  your  eyes,"  he  said  at  last.     "  Danira, 


DANIRA,  116 

have  you  really  no  other  word  of  farewell  for  me  ?  " 

An  expression  of  passionate  grief  flashed  into  the 
girl's  face  for  one  moment,  but  she  quickly  repressed 
the  gentler  emotion,  and  the  next  moment  lier  feat- 
ures revealed  nothing  but  iron  liarshness  and  cold 
aversion. 

"  I  fear,  Herr  von  Steinach,  tliat  I  have  already 
detained  you  too  long  from  your  '  duty.'  I  must  re- 
mind you  of  it,  apparenth\  You  have  doubtless 
come  to  occupy  the  village  with  your  men.  We 
have  no  arms  against  superior  numbers ;  the  house  is 
open ! " 

Gerald  stepped  back.  The  sharp  admonition 
showed  him  that  any  attempt  at  conciliation  would 
be  vain,  and  he,  too,  could  be  proud  to  sternness. 

"You  are  mistaken,  Fraiilein,"  he  replied.  "I  do 
not  come  on  military  duty.  I  am  in  search  of  a 
wounded  comrade  here  in  the  hamlet,  whom  I  ex- 
pected to  find  in  this  house.  At  any  rate,  I  beg  you 
to  give  me  news  of  him." 

"A  wounded  officer?  There  is  some  misunder- 
standing.    No  Austrian  is  here." 

"But  our  troops  occupied  the  village  this  morning. 
We  liave  positive  news  of  that." 

"  Yes,  but  in  less  than  an  hour  they  they  left  it 
and  marched  on." 

"  And  the  wounded  man  ?  " 

'  They  left  no  one  behind,  and  had  no  wounded 
with  them.  See  for  yourself ;  there  are  none  of 
your  men  in  the  village." 

At  this  moment  the  door  opened   and  George  ap- 


116  TfANIRA. 

peared,  but,  mindful  of  the  rebuff  just  received,  he 
paused  on  the  threshold,  saying : 

"  Herr  Lieutenant,  I  only  wanted  to  report  that 
this  business  looks  worse  and  worse.  There  is  not  a 
sentinel,  not  a  comrade  to  be  seen  in  the  whole  ac- 
cursed den.  Our  rascally  guide  has  made  off,  and 
here  in  this  house" — he  darted  an  extremely  hostile 
glance  at  Danira — "here  the  witchcraft  is  doubtless 
in  full  swing.  Don't  send  me  away  again,  Plerr 
Lieutenant ;  it  is  better  for  us  two  to  keep  together 
if  trouble  comes." 

Danira  suddenly  started,  and  a  look  of  mortal 
terror  rested  on  Gerald  as  she  repeated : 

"Us  two?  For  Heaven's  sake  !  Herr  von  Steinach, 
you  are  here  at  the  head  of  your  men,  or  at  least  you 
have  a  sufficient  escort?" 

"  No ;  I  am  alone  with  George,  as  you  see." 

The  girl  turned  deadly  pale. 

"  And  you  venture  thus  into  a  hostile  place  ?  At 
night?     This  is  more  than  foolhardy," 

"  I  expected  to  find  our  men  here,  and  the  mes- 
sage was  so  positive,  so  unequivocal " 

"  Who  brouglit  it?  Were  3'ou  the  only  person 
summoned?  Where  is  the  guide  ?  Did  you  notice 
nothing  suspicious  on  the  way?" 

The  questions  succeeded  each  otlier  in  such  breath- 
less, anxious  haste  that  Gerald  at  last  began  to 
understand  the  gravity  of  the  situation.  His  hand 
involuntarily  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword  more 
firmly  as  he  replied: 

"  The  summons  was  to  me  only,  and  I  should  have 


BANIRA.  117 

obeyed  it  alone  had  not  George  insisted  upon  accom- 
panying mo.  We  were  not  attacked  on  the  way. 
Nothing  occurred  to  rouse  our  suspicions  except  the 
mysterious  disappearance  of  our  guide,  but  he 
brought  me  trustworthy  credentials,  my  comrade's 
portfolio  and  notes." 

"  That  proves  nothing.  They  may  have  been 
stolen,  taken  from  a  dead  body.  The  wliole  story 
is  a  falsehood,  a  device  to  lure  you  here." 

"  But   who    can   have    any    interest   in    bringing 

me "     Gerald    began,   but    Danira  passionately 

interrupted : — 

"  Do  you  ask  that  question  ?  Marco  Obrevic  has 
sworn  vengeance  upon  you!  He  will  keep  his  vow 
— you  are  lost !  " 

The  young  officer  turned  pale.  The  words 
suddenly  revealed  the  terrible  danger  impending. 
But  George,  with  a  sort  of  agreeable  horror,  re- 
marked : — 

"•  Didn't  I  say  so  ?     Now  we're  in  the  trap." 

Gerald  needed  but  an  instant  to  regain  his  com- 
posure. He  drew  himself  up  to  his  full  height,  and 
the  red  flush  of  anger  crimsoned  his  face. 

"  A  shameful  plot !  Well,  then,  we  must  defend 
ourselves  to  the  last  breath.  We  will  sell  our  lives 
dearly,  George.  The  assassins  Avon't  find  it  so  easy 
to  destroy  us." 

"  I'll  take  care  of  a  few  of  them  !  "  cried  George, 
in  whom  wrath  had  now  gained  the  upper  hand. 
"  Just  let  the  murderous  rabble  come  I  My  lieuten- 
ant and  I  will  fight  the  whole  band." 


118  BANIRA. 

"  No,  no ;  here  any  resistance  would  be  vain,"  re- 
plied Danira.  "  If  Marco  comes  lie  will  come  with  ten 
times  your  number,  and  fighting  would  be  impos- 
sible. You  would  be  dragged  down,  overpowered, 
and  then  the  living " 

She  did  not  finish  the  sentence,  but  paused  with  a 
shudder,  which  the  two  men,  who  knew  how  the  war 
was  conducted  on  the  part  of  the  natives,  could  easily 
interpret. 

"  No  matter,  we  will  fight,"  said  Gerald,  resolutely. 
"  Let  us  get  out  of  doors,  George.  There  will  be 
more  chance  there,  and  perhaps  we  may  be  able  to 
force  our  way  back." 

He  turned  toward  the  door,  but  Danira  barred  his 
way. 

"  Impossible !  You  will  go  to  certain  death. 
Marco  does  nothing  by  halves.  He  already  knows 
that  you  have  obeyed  the  summons,  and  has  barri- 
caded your  way  in  every  direction.  There  is  but  one 
path  of  escape,  at  least  for  the  moment." 

She  hurried  through  the  room,  hastily  and  softly 
opened  the  door  of  the  dark  ante-chamber  where  her 
sister-in-law  slept,  and  listened  a  few  moments  to  the 
deep,  regular  breathing  of  the  young  wife,  who  had 
not  been  roused  by  the  strangers'  arrival.  The 
whistling  and  howling  of  the  hora  had  completely 
drowned  the  conversation. 

Danira  softly  closed  the  door,  and  returned  to 
Gerald's  side. 

"  Will  you  follow  me  and  trust  me — trust  me  ab- 
solutely ?  " 


DANIRA.  119 

Gerald's  eyes  met  those  of  the  young  girl  who,  but 
a  few  minutes  before,  had  confronted  him  with  such 
rigid,  unyielding  sternness,  yet  had  seemed  com- 
pletely transformed  from  the  instant  that  danger 
threatened  him.  He  saw  the  entreaty  in  the  large 
dark  eyes,  and  in  the  midst  of  hostility  and  mortal 
peril  the  glance  fell  like  a  ray  of  sunshine  on  the 
young  man's  soul.  He  knew  now  for  whom  she  was 
anxious. 

"I  will  follow  you,  though  it  should  be  to  death !  " 
he  said,  extending  his  hand. 

"  Herr  Lieutenant !  "  cried  George,  fairly  frantic 
with  fear,  for  he  was  firmly  convinced  that  this  blind 
confidence  would  lead  Gerald  straight  to  destruction. 

"  Be  silent  and  obey,"  Gerald  ordered.  "  Yet  I 
will  not  force  you  to  follow.  Stay  behind,  if  you 
choose." 

"I'll  go  with  you,"  said  the  brave  fellow,  whose 
love  for  his  officer  was  even  greater  than  his  super- 
stition. "  Wliere  you  are,  111  be  also,  and  if  you 
can't  help  it  and  must  go  straight  into  the  witches' 
caldron — why,  go,  in  God's  name,  and  Fll  go  too." 

Gerald  loosed  his  sword  in  its  sheath  and  examin- 
ed his  pistols  ;  then  they  left  the  house  and  the  young 
officer  unconsciously  drew  a  long,  dee^^  breath  as 
they  emerged  from  the  small,  close  room,  with  its 
smoking  fire  and  stifling  atmosphere.  Outside, 
storm,  darkness  and  mortal  peril  surrounded  his 
every  step,  but  for  the  first  time  he  felt  Danira's 
hand  in  his,  and  climbed  by  her  side  to  the  edge  of 
the  ravine. 


DAyiBA.  121 


VI. 


For  nearly  half  an  hour  the  little  group  pressed 
forward  in  a  direction  exactly  opposite  to  the  one  by 
which  Gerald  had  come  to  the  village.  Danira  led 
the  way  and  the  others  followed,  but  scarcely  a  word 
was  exchanged,  for  all  three  had  great  difficulty  in 
breasting  the  storm,  which  grew  more  violent  every 
moment. 

Yet  this  tempest  was  not  like  those  that  raged  in 
the  mountains  of  their  native  Tyrol,  with  hurrying 
clouds,  mists,  and  showers  of  rain  that  wrapped  the 
earth  in  their  veil,  where  the  forests  shuddered  and 
trembled,  and  the  uproar  of  the  elements  seemed  to 
transform  all  nature  into  cliaos.  Here  no  cloud 
dimmed  the  clear  azure  of  the  sky,  in  whicli  the  stars 
were  shining  brightly,  and  the  moonlight  rested  clear 
and  radiant  on  the  rocky  heights,  stretching  into 
infinite  distance,  rugged  and  cleft  into  a  thousand 
rifts  that  intersected  them  in  every  direction ;  but  the 
white  moonbeams  and  the  deep  black  shadows  of  the 
chasms  everywhere  revealed  the  same  desolation. 

Here  no  forest  rustled,  no  reed  quivered  in  the 
wind.  The  hurricane  roared  over  the  earth  as  if  the 
spirits  of  destruction  had  been  let  loose  and  were  now 
sweeping  on  in  search  of  their  prey,  but  its  might  was 


122  BANIRA. 

baffled  by  the  cold,  lifeless  stone  that  could  neither 
be  stirred  nor  shaken. 

There  was  something  uncanny  and  terrible  in  this 
rigid  repose  amidst  the  fierce  raging  of  the  tempest, 
it  seemed  as  though  all  nature  was  spell-bound  in  a 
death-slumber  which  nothing  could  break.  Wildly 
as  the  hora  raved,  the  earth  made  no  response,  it 
remained  under  the  icy  ban. 

Again  the  trio  pressed  on  throng] i  hurricane  and 
moonlight,  still  farther  into  the  wilderness.  It 
seemed  to  the  men  as  though  they  must  long  since 
have  lost  their  way*  and  there  was  no  escape  from 
this  desert  where  one  ridge  rose  be/ond  another  in 
perpetual,  horrible  monotony,  but  Dauira  walked  on 
undisturbed  without  once  hesitating.  At  last  she 
stopped  and  turned. 

"We  have  reached  our  goal,"  she  said,  pointing 
down  into  the  depths  below.  "There  is  the  Vila 
spring." 

Gerald  paused  to  take  breath,  and  his  eyes  wan- 
dered in  the  direction  indicated.  The  ground  suddenly 
sloped  sheer  down  and  he  saw  at  his  feet  a  chasm, 
close  by  a  huge,  projecting  rock.  It  was  a  strange 
formation  of  stone,  towering  upward  in  broad  mas- 
sive outlines,  curiously  jagged  at  the  top,  the  peak 
inclined  so  far  forward  that  it  looked  as  if  it  must 
break  off  and  fall.  Beyond  this  gateway  the  ravine 
appeared  to  widen,  for  they  saw  the  moonlight  glitter 
on  some  rippling  water. 

"  Must  we  go  down  there?  "  George  asked  his  lieu- 
tenant, doubtfully,  in  a  low  tone.     "  The  rock  hangs 


DANIRA.  123 

over  like  one  of  our  bunches  of  ripe  grapes  at  home. 
I  believe  it  will  drop  on  oui-  heads  as  soon  as  we  come 
near  it.  Everything  in  Krivoscia  is  spiteful,  even 
the  stones." 

"  The  rock  will  not  fall,"  replied  Danira,  who  had 
heard  the  words,  "  it  has  hung  so  for  centuries,  and 
no  storm  has  ever  shaken  it.     Follow  us." 

She  had  already  descended  and  Gerald  followed 
without  hesitation.  They  both  passed  the  rock  gate- 
way and  George  could  not  help  joining  them.  He 
cast  one  more  suspicious  glance  upward  {  for  he  had 
become  accustomed  to  regard  everything  in  this 
country  as  a  personal  foe,  but  the  rocky  peak,  by  way 
of  exception,  showed  no  disposition  to  molest  him, 
and  remained  quietly  in  its  threatening  attitude. 

The  distance  was  not  very  great.  In  a  few  min- 
utes both  reached  the  bottom  of  the  cliffs  and  stood 
in  a  ravine  which  widened  rapidly  above,  but  was  ac- 
cessible only  through  the  rock  gateway.  Here  too 
flowed  the  water  they  had  seen  above,  one  of  the 
little  streams  which  often  burst  suddenly  out  of  the 
rocky  soil  of  the  Karst  and  in  a  short  time  as  sud- 
denly vanish  again.  Even  here  tlie  water  preserved 
its  beneficent  power,  for  fresh  grass  was  growing 
around  it,  thin  and  scanty,  it  is  true,  but  a  sign  of 
life  amid  this  petrified  nature,  and  there  was  life  also 
in  the  clear  waves  which,  with  a  low  ripple  and  mur- 
mur, made  a  channel  down  the  ravine. 

Danira,  with  a  sigh  of  relief,  leaned  against  the 
cliff.     The  exhaustion  of  the  rapid  walk  or  excite- 


124  DANIRA. 

ment  had  made  the  girl  tremble  from  head  to  foot, 
and  she  really  seemed  to  need  the  support. 

"  We  have  reached  the  spot,"  she  said,  softly. 
"  Here  you  are  safe." 

Gerald,  who  meantime  had  scanned  the  surround- 
ings, shook  his  head  doubtfull}-. 

"  The  safety  will  last  only  until  our  place  of  refuge 
is  discovered,  and  that  will  soon  be  done.  Obrevic 
knows  every  defile  as  well  as  you,  as  soon  as  he  has 
searched  the  village  he  will  follow  on  oui-  track  with- 
out delay." 

"  Certainly.  But  he  will  halt  before  that  rock  gate- 
way, he  will  not  enter  the  precincts  of  the  Vila 
spring,  for  then  he  would  be  obliged  to  give  you  his 
hand  in  friendship ;  that  hand  cannot  be  raised 
against  you  here.  Fierce  and  revengeful  as  Marco 
may  be,  even  he  will  not  dare  to  break  the  spell  of 
peace  that  rests  upon  this  spot." 

The  young  officer  started  and  again  cast  a  search- 
ing glance  around  the  ravine. 

"  So  that  is  why  you  brought  us  here  ?  But  what 
protects  this  place  which  is  to  shield  us  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know.  Legend,  tradition,  superstition 
probably  wove  the  spell  centuries  ago — enough  that 
the  charm  still  exists  in  all  its  ancient  power.  Even 
in  my  childhood  I  knew  of  the  Vila  spring  and  its 
spell  of  peace.  Afterward,  when  far  away,  the  mem- 
ory sometimes  came  back  to  me  like  a  half-forgotten 
legend  that  belonged  to  the  realm  of  fairy-land. 
Since  my  return  I  have  known  that  the  tale  contains 
a  saving  truth.     The  spring  is  more  sacred  than  the 


DANIRA.  125 

threshold  of  any  church.  Here  even  the  murderer, 
the  betrayer  is  safe.  Here,  the  vendetta  itself,  that 
terrible  family  law  of  our  people,  must  pause.  No 
one  has  yet  dared  to  violate  the  charm,  and  if  any 
one  tried  it,  he  would  be  outlawed  by  all  tlie  members 
of  the  tribe." 

"  And  you  believe  that  this  spell  will  guard  even 
the  foreigner,  the  foe?  " 

"  Yes." 

The  answer  was  so  firm  that  Gerald  made  no  objec- 
tion, though  he  doubted  it. 

"  One  mystery  more  in  this  mysterious  land  !  "  he 
said,  slowly.  "  We  will  wait  to  see  how  it  will  be 
solved  for  us.  We  were  treacherously  lured  into  an 
ambush,  and  stand  alone  against  a  horde  of  enemies, 
so  it  will  be  no  cowardice  to  trust  ourselves  to  such 
protection." 

He  looked  around  him  for  George,  who  had  in- 
stantly taken  the  practical  side  of  the  affair,  and 
carefully  and  thoroughly  searched  the  whole  ravine. 
Finding  nothing  suspicious,  he  had  climbed  a  large 
boulder,  and  stationed  himself  at  a  point  from  which 
he  could  watch  at  the  same  time  the  entrance  and 
his  lieutenant,  for  he  still  dreaded  some  piece  of 
witchcraft  from  Danira.  Unfortunately,  he  could 
not  hear  what  was  passing  between  the  pair.  The 
wind  was  blowing  too  violently ;  but  he  could  at 
least  keep  them  in  view.  So  he  stood  at  his  post 
firm  and  fearless,  ready  to  defend  himself  like  a  man 
and  a  soldier  against  any  intruding  foe,  and  at  the 
same  time  come  to  liis  lieutenant's  aid  with  his  whole 


126  DANIRA. 

stock  of  Christianity  in  case  the  latter  should  be 
treacherously  seized  by  the  Evil  One  from  behind 
— the  brave  fellow  feareil  neither  death  nor  devil. 

Gerald  had  approached  Danira,  who  still  leaned 
against  the  cliff,  but  she  drew  back.  The  mute  gest- 
ure was  so  resolute  in  its  denial  that  he  dared  not 
advance  nearer.  The  deliverance  she  had  bestowed 
only  seemed  to  have  raised  one  more  barrier  be- 
tween them.  He  felt  this,  and  fixed  a  reproachful 
glance  upon  lier  as  he  retired. 

Danira  either  did  not  or  would  not  see  it,  although 
the  moonlight  clearly  illumined  the  features  of  both. 
Hastil}',  as  though  to  anticipate  any  warmer  words, 
she  asked  : 

"  Where  are  your  men  ?  " 

"  At  the  fort.  We  returned  there  after  the  ex- 
pedition of  the  morning,  and  the  troops  to  whom  we 
brought  assistance  with  us." 

"  And  nothing  is  known  of  your  danger  ? 

"  On  the  contrary,  I  am  supposed  to  be  in  perfect 
safety.  The  shameful  plot  was  so  cleverly  devised. 
A  dying  comrade,  who  wished  to  place  a  last  com- 
mission in  my  hands,  his  portfolio  as  a  credential. 
The  village  we  all  thought  still  occupied  by  our  men 
named.  Obrevic  was  cautious  enough,  though  it 
would  have  been  more  manly  to  have  sought  ine  in 
open  battle,  I  certainly  did  not  shun  him.  He  pre- 
ferred to  act  like  an  assassin,  though  he  calls  himself 
a  warrior  and  a  chief." 

Danira's  brow  darkened,  but  she  gently  shook  her 
head. 


DANIRA.  127 

"  You  reckon  with  your  ideas  of  honor.  Here  it  is 
different,  only  the  act  is  important ;  no  account  is 
taken  of  the  means.  Joan  Obrevic  fell  by  your  hand, 
and  liis  son  must  avenge  him ;  that  is  the  law  of  the 
race.  How,  Marco  does  not  ask  ;  he  knows  but  one 
purpose,  the  destruction  of  his  foe ;  and,  if  he  can- 
not accomplish  it  in  open  warfare,  he  resorts  to  strat- 
agem. I  heard  the  vow  he  made  when  we  entered 
our  native  mountains  on  the  morning  after  his  es- 
cape, and  he  will  fulfil  it,  though  it  should  bring  de- 
struction on  his  own  head.  That  is  why  you  are 
safe  here  only  for  the  time.  I  know  Marco,  and 
while  he  will  not  dare  to  approach  the  Vila  spring, 
he  will  guard  the  entrance,  actually  besiege  you  here 
until  desperation  urges  you  to  some  reckless  step  by 
which  you  will  fall  into  his  hands.  Youi-  comrades 
must  be  informed  at  any  cost." 

"  That  is  impossible  !  Who  should,  who  could 
carry  such  a  message  ?  " 

"I !" 

"What,  you  would " 

"  I  will  do  nothing  by  halves,  and  your  rescue  is 
but  half  accomplished  if  no  aid  comes  from  without. 
But  I  must  wait  till  Marco  has  reached  the  village  ; 
he  will  search  every  hut,  examhie  every  stone  in  it, 
and  meanwhile  I  shall  gain  time  to  go." 

"  Never  !  "  cried  Gerald.  "  I  will  not  permit  it. 
You  might  meet  Obrevic,  and  I,  too,  know  him.  If 
he  should  guess — nay,  even  suspect,  your  design,  he 
would  kill  you." 

"  Certainly  he  would  !  "  said  Danira,  coldly.  "  And 
he  would  do  right." 


128  DANIRA. 

"  Danira !  " 

"  If  Marco  punished  treason  with  death  he  would 
be  in  the  right,  and  I  should  not  flinch  from  the  blow. 
I  am  calling  the  foe  to  the  aid  of  a  foe ;  that  is 
treason  ;  I  know  it." 

"  Then  vhy  do  you  save  me  at  such  a  price  ?  " 
asked  the  young  officer,  fixing  his  eyes  intently  upon 
her. 

"  Because  I  must." 

The  words  did  not  sound  submissive  but  harsh. 
They  contained  a  sullen  rebellion  against  the  power 
which  had  fettered  not  only  the  girl's  will  but  her 
whole  nature,  and  whicli  enraged  her  even  while  she 
yielded  to  it.  She  had  brought  the  foreigner,  the 
foe,  to  the  sacred  spring,  although  she  knew  that 
such  a  rescue  Would  be  considered  treachery  and  des- 
ecration ;  she  was  ready  to  sacrifice  everything  for 
him,  yet  at  the  same  moment  turned  almost  with 
hatred  from  him  and  his  love. 

The  bora  could  not  penetrate  the  depths  of  the 
ravine,  but  it  raged  all  the  more  fiercely  on  the  up- 
per heights,  roaring  around  the  peaks  as  if  it  would 
hurl  them  downward.  Old  legends  relate  that,  on 
such  tempestuous  nights,  the  spirits  of  all  the  mur- 
dered men  whose  blood  has  ever  reddened  the  earth 
are  abroad,  and  it  really  seemed  as  though  spectral 
armies  were  fighting  in  the  air  and  sweepiug  madly 
onward.  Sometimes  it  sounded  as  if  thousands  of 
voices,  jeering,  threatening,  hissing,  blended  in  one 
confused  medley,  till  at  last  all  united  with  the  rav- 
ing and  howling   into   a   fierce   melody,   a  song   of 


DANIRA.  129 

triumph,  which  celebrated  only  destruction  and 
ruin. 

What  else  could  have  been  its  theme  in  this  land 
where  the  people  were  as  rigid  and  pitiless  as  the 
nature  that  surrounded  them?  Here  conflict  was  the 
sole  deliverance.  A  fierce  defiance  of  all  control, 
even  that  of  law  and  morals,  a  bloody  strife,  and 
Immiliating  defeat.  So  it  had  been  from  the  be- 
ginning, so  it  was  now,  and  if  the  legendary  ghosts 
were  really  sweeping  by  on  the  wings  of  the  blast, 
they  were  still  fighting,  even  in  death. 

Yet  amid  this  world  of  battle,  the  Vila  spring  cast 
its  spell  of  peace.  Whence  it  came,  who  had  uttered 
it,  no  one  knew.  The  origin  was  lost  in  the  dim 
shadows  of  the  past,  but  the  pledge  was  kept  with 
the  inviolable  fidelity  with  which  all  uncultured 
races  cling  to  their  traditions.  Perhaps  it  was  an 
instinct  of  the  people  that  had  formerly  erected  this 
barrier  against  their  own  arbitrary  will  and  fierce- 
ness, and  guarded  at  least  one  spot  of  peace — be  that 
as  it  may,  the  place  was  guarded,  and  the  rude  sons 
of  the  mountains  bowed  reverently  to  the  enchanted 
precinct,  whose  spell  no  hostile  deed  had  ever 
violated. 

The  moon  was  now  high  in  the  heavens,  and  her 
light  poured  full  into  the  ravine. 

The  bluish,  spectral  radiance  streamed  upon  the 

dark  cliffs  and  wove  a  silvery  veil  upon  the  clear 

waters  of  the  spring,  which  flowed  on  untroubled  by 

all  the  raging  of  the  tempest.     Above  were  storm 

and  strife,  and  here  below,  under  the  shelter  of  the 
9 


130  BANIEA. 

towering  rocks,  naught  save  a  faint  murmuring  and 
rippling  that  seemed  to  whisper  a  warning  to  give 
up  conflict  and  make  peace  beside  the  spring  of 
peace. 

"  You  must !  "  said  Gerald,  repeating  Danira's 
last  words.  "  And  I  too  must.  I  too  have  struggled 
and  striven  against  a  power  that  fettered  my  will, 
but  I  no  longer  hate  that  power  as  you  do.  Why 
should  we  keep  this  useless  barrier  of  hostility  be- 
tween us;  we  both  know  that  it  will  not  stand;  we 
have  tried  it  long  enough.  I  heard  the  cry  that 
escaped  your  lips  when  I  so  unexpectedly  crossed 
the  threshold  of  3^our  house.  It  was  my  own  name, 
and  the  tone  was  very  different  from  that  hard,  stern, 
'  I  must.'  " 

Danira  made  no  reply ;  she  had  turned  away,  yet 
could  not  escape  his  voice,  his  eyes.  The  low,  half 
choked  utterance  forced  a  way  to  her  heart ;  in  vain 
she  pressed  both  hands  upon  it.  That  voice  found 
admittance,  and  she  heard  it  amid  all  the  raging  of 
the  storm. 

"  From  the  day  I  entered  your  mountain  home 
one  image  stood  before  my  soul,  one  thought  filled  it 
' — to  see  you  again,  Danira  !  I  knew  we  must  meet 
some  day.  AVhy  did  you  leave  me  that  message  ? 
You  would  not  take  my  contempt  with  you,  though 
you  defied  the  opinion  of  ever}^  one  else.  The  words 
haunted  me  day  and  night !  I  could  not  forget  them, 
they  decided  my  destinj'." 

"  It  was  a  message  of  farewell,"  the  young  girl 
murmured  in  a  half  stifled  tone.     "  I  never  expected 


DANIRA.  131 

to  see  you  again,  and  I  gave  it  to  your  promised 
wife." 

"  Edith  is  no  longer  betrothed  to  me,"  said  the 
young  officer,  in  a  hollow  tone. 

Danira  started  in  sudden,  terror-stricken  surprise. 

"No  longer  betrothed  to  you?^  For  heaven's 
sake,  what  has  happened  ?  You  have  severed  the 
tie." 

"  No,  Edith  did  it,  and  for  the  first  time  I  realize 
how  entirely  she  was  in  the  right.  Those  laughing, 
untroubled,  childish  eyes  gazed  deep  into  my  heart ; 
they  guessed  wliat  at  that  time  I  myself  did  not,  or 
would  not  know.  True,  her  father  left  me  the  op- 
tion of  returning  if  I  could  conquer  the  '  dream.'  I 
could  not,  and  now — by  all  that  is  sacred  to  me — I 
no  longer  wish  to  do  so.  What  is  the  reality,  the 
happiness  of  a  whole  life,  compared  with  the  dream 
of  this  moment,  for  which,  perhaps,  I  must  sacrifice 
existence?  But  I  no  longer  complain  of  the  strata- 
gem that  lured  me  here  ;  it  gave  me  this  meeting,  a 
meeting  not  too  dearly  purchased  by  the  mortal  peril 
that  now  surrounds  me,  nay,  by  death  itself." 

It  was  really  Gerald  von  Steinach  whose  lips  ut- 
tered these  words,  Gerald  von  Steinach,  the  cool, 
circumspect  man  with  the  icy  eyes,  who  could  not 
love. 

They  now  flowed  in  a  fiery  stream  from  his  lips 
and  kindled  a  responsive  flame  in  Danira's  soul.  Her 
strength  could  no  longer  hold  out  against  this  lan- 
guage of  passion,  and  when  Gerald  approached  her 
a  second  time,  she  did  not  shrink  from  him,  though 
the  hand  he  clasped  trembled  in  his. 


132  DANIRA. 

"  Perhaps  I  may  bring  you  death  !"  she  said  softly, 
but  with  deep  sorrow.  "  It  is  my  destiny  to  cause 
misfortune  everywhere.  Had  I  left  Cattaro  even  a 
few  weeks  earlier,  we  should  never  have  seen  each 
other  and  you  would  have  been  happy  by  Edith's 
side.  I  know  she  merely  entrenched  herself  behind 
caprices  and  obstinacy;  her  heart  belongs  to  the 
man  who  was  destined  to  be  her  husband.  It  is  the 
first  true,  deep  feeling  of  her  life,  the  awakening 
from  the  dream  of  childhood.  She  is  now  experienc- 
ing her  first  bitter  grief — through  me.  And  yet  she 
is  the  only  creature  I  have  ever  loved." 

She  tried  to  withdraw  her  hand,  but  in  vain.  He 
would  not  release  it,  and  only  bent  toward  her,  so 
close  that  his  breath  fanned  her  cheek. 

"  The  only  creature  ?  Danira,  shall  not  even  this 
hour  bring  us  truth  ?  Who  knows  how  short  may 
be  the  span  of  life  allotted  to  me  ?  I  do  not  believe 
Obrevic's  fierceness  and  thirst  for  vengeance  will  be 
stayed  by  this  spot,  and  am  prepared  to  fall  a  victim 
to  his  fury.  But  I  must  once  more  hear  my  name 
from  your  lips  as  you  uttered  it  just  now.  You  must 
not  refuse  that  request.  If,  even  now,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  death,  they  sternly  withhold  the  confession 
of  love,  be  it  so,  I  will  not  ask  it — l)ut  you  must  call 
me  what  my  mother  calls  me — you  must  say  this 
once:  'Gerald.'" 

His  voice  trembled  with  passionate  entreaty.  It 
seemed  vain,  for  Danira  remained  silent  and  motion- 
less a  few  seconds  longer.  At  last  she  slowly  turned 
her  face  to  his,  and  gazing  deep  into  his  eyes,  said : 


DANIRA.  133 

"Gerald!" 

It  was  only  one  word,  yet  it  contained  all — the 
confession  so  ardently  desired,  the  most  absolute 
devotion,  the  cry  of  happiness,  and  with  an  exclama- 
tion of  rapturous  joy  Gerald  clasped  the  woman  he 
loved  to  his  breast. 

The  storm  raged  above  them,  and  mortal  peril 
waved  dark  wings  over  their  heads ;  but  amid  the 
tempest  and  the  shadow  of  death  a  happiness  was 
unfolded  which  swallowed  up  every  memory  of  the 
past,  every  thought  of  the  future.  Gerald  and  Da- 
nira  no  longer  heeded  life  or  death,  and  had  a  bloody 
end  confronted  them  at  that  moment  they  would 
have  faced  it  with  radiant  joy  in  their  hearts. 

"  I  thank  you  !  "  said  Gerald,fervently,  but  with- 
out releasing  the  girl  from  his  embrace.  "  Now, 
come  what  may,  I  am  prepared." 

The  words  recalled  Danira  to  the  reality  of  their 
situation ;  she  started. 

"  You  are  right,  we  must  meet  what  is  coming ; 
I  must  go." 

"  Go  !  At  the  moment  we  have  found  each  other  ? 
And  am  I  to  let  you  face  a  peril  I  cannot  share  ?  " 

Danira  gently  but  firmly  released  herself  from  his 
arms. 

'.You  are  in  danger,  Gerald,  not  I,  for  I  know 
every  path  of  my  '  mountain  home,'  and  shall  avoid 
Marco,  who  has  now  had  time  to  reach  the  village. 
Have  no  fear,  your  safety  is  at  stake,  I  will  be  cau- 
tious. Yet,  before  I  go,  promise  me  not  to  leave  the 
Vila  spring ;   let  no  stratagem,  no  threat  lure  you 


134  DANIRA. 

away.  Here  alone  can  you  and  your  companion 
find  safety  and  deliverance,  one  step  beyond  that 
rock  gateway  and  you  will  be  lost." 

The  young  officer  gazed  anxiously  and  irresolutely 
at  the  speaker.  True,  he  told  himself  that  she  would 
be  safe  ;  even  if  she  met  his  pursuers  no  one  would 
suspect  whence  she  came  or  where  she  was  going, 
and  a  pretext  was  easily  found.  If  she  remained 
with  him  she  must  share  his  fate  and  perliaps  be  the 
first  victim  of  her  tribe's  revenge,  yet  it  was  unspeak- 
ably difficult  for  him  to  part  from  the  happiness  he 
had  scarcely  won. 

"  I  will  not  leave  the  spring,"  he  answered.  "  Do 
you  think  I  want  to  die  now?  I  never  so  loved  life 
as  at  this  moment  when  my  Danira  is  its  prize,  and  I 
am  ready  to  fight  for  it — I  shall  be  fighting  for  my 
happiness  and  future." 

His  glance  again  sought  hers,  which  no  longer 
shunned  it,  but  the  large  dark  eyes  rested  on  his 
features  with  a  strange  expression — a  look  at  once 
gentle,  yet  gloomy  and  fraught  with  pain ;  it  had 
not  a  ray  of  the  happiness  so  brightly  evident  in  his 
words» 

"  The  price*  of  your  life  !"  she  repeated.  "Yes, 
Gerald,  I  will  be  that  with  my  whole  heart,  and 
now — farewell !  " 

"  Farewell !  God  grant  that  you  may  reach  the 
fort  safely;  ouce  there  my  comrades  will  know  how 

*  Preis  means  boUi  prize  and  price,  the  play  upon  the  word  can. 
not  be  given  in  English. — Tr. 


LANIRA.  135 

to  protect  my  preserver  from  the  vengeance  of  her 
people." 

He  spoke  unsuspiciously  and  tenderly,  but  he 
must  have  unwittingly  stirred  those  dark  depths  in 
the  girl's  nature,  which  were  mysterious  even  to 
him.  Danira  started  as  though  an  insult  had  been 
hurled  in  her  face ;  the  old  fierceness  seemed  about  to 
break  forth  again,  but  it  was  only  a  moment  ere  the 
emotion  was  suppressed. 

"I  need  their  protection  as  little  as  I  fear  the 
vengeance  directed  against  myself  alone  !  Farewell, 
Gerald  ;  once  more — farewell !  " 

The  young  officer  again  clasped  her  in  his  arms. 
He  did  not  hear  the  pain  of  parting  in  the  words, 
only  the  deep,  devoted  love,  still  so  new  to  him  from 
Danira.  But  she  scarcely  allowed  him  a  moment 
for  his  leave-taking,  but  tore  herself  away,  as  if  she 
feared  to  prolong  it. 

He  saw  her  bend  over  the  spring,  while  her  lips 
moved  as  though  she  were  commending  her  lover  to 
its  protection.  Then  she  hastily  climbed  the  cliff, 
and  vanished  through  the  dark  rock  gateway. 

At  the  top  of  the  height  Danira  paused.  Only 
one  moment's  rest  after  this  mute,  torturing  conflict ! 
She  alone  knew  what  this  parting  meant.  Gerald 
did  not  suspect  that  it  was  an  eternal  farewell,  or  he 
never  would  have  permitted  her  to  quit  his  side. 

In  spite  of  all,  he  did  not  know  Danira  Hersovac. 
She  had,  it  is  true,  become  a  stranger  to  her  people, 
out  of  harmony  with  all  their  customs  and  opinions, 
while  her  own  thoughts  and  feelings  were  in  the 


136  DANIRA. 

camp  of  the  foe  from  whom  she  had  once  so  defiant- 
ly fled,  but  the  mighty,  viewless  tie  of  blood  still  as- 
serted its  power,  and  called  what  she  was  in  the  act 
of  doing  by  the  terrible  name,  treason. 

She  was  going  to  summon  the  foreign  troops  to 
Gerald's  aid,  and  if  Marco  held  out — and  hold  out 
he  would — blood  would  be  shed  for  the  sake  of  one 
who  should  not,  must  not  die,  though  his  resQue 
should  cost  the  highest  price. 

From  the  moment  Danira  knew  that  this  rescue 
was  solely  in  her  hands  she  no  longer  had  a  choice. 
Save  him  she  must !  It  was  a  necessity  to  which  she 
helplessly  bowed,  but  to  live  on  with  the  memory  of 
what  had  happened  and  be  happy  by  her  lover's 
side — the  thought  did  not  enter  the  girl's  mind. 

The  dead  chief's  daughter  might  commit  the 
treason,  but  she  could  also  expiate  it.  When  Gerald 
was  once  rescued  and  in  safety,  she  would  go  back 
to  her  brother  and  Marco,  the  head  of  the  tribe,  and 
confess  what  she  had  done.  The  traitress  would 
meet  death,  she  knew — so  much  the  better.  Then 
the  perpetual  discord  between  her  birth  and  her 
education  would  be  forever  ended. 

She  cast  one  more  glance  into  the  ravine,  where 
the  water  of  the  Vila  spring  was  shinmiering  in  the 
moonlight.  Mysteriously  born  of  the  rocky  soil,  it 
appeared  but  once,  gazed  but  once  at  the  light  to 
vanish  again  in  subterranean  chasms,  yet  its  short 
course  was  a  blessing  to  every  one  who  approached 
it.  Here,  too,  it  had  bestowed  a  brief,  momentary 
happiness,  which  had  only  glittered  once  and  must 


BANIRA.  137 

DOW  end  in  separation  and  death ;  yet  it  outweighed 
a  whole  existence. 

The  invisible  hosts  were  still  contending  in  the  air, 
their  jeering,  threatening  voices  still  blended  in  the 
fierce  chant  of  destruclicii  and  ruin.  Danira  was 
familiar  with  the  legends  of  her  home,  and  under- 
stood the  menace  of  the  tempest.  She  raised  her 
head  haughtily  as  if  in  answer. 

"  Vain  !  I  will  not  let  myself  be  stopped !  If  I 
commit  the  treason,  I  have  pronounced  my  own 
doom,  and  Marco  will  pitilessly  execute  it.  God 
himself  would  need  to  descend  from  heaven  to 
secure  my  pardon.  You  shall  be  saved,  Gerald  ;  I 
will  be  what  I  promised — the  price  of  ^^our  life  !  " 

She  hurried  onward  through  the  storm-swept, 
moonlit  waste  of  rocks — to  the  rescue. 


DANIRA.  139 


VII. 

The  two  men  were  now  alone  in  the  ravine,  but 
the  young  officer's  gaze  still  rested  on  the  spot 
where  Danira  had  vanished.  He  did  not  notice  that 
George  had  climbed  down  from  his  bowlder  and  ap. 
proached  him,  until  the  worthy  fellow  made  his 
presence  known  by  a  heavy  sigh  which  attracted  his 
attention,  and  he  asked: 

"  What  ails  you  ?  " 

George  made  the  regulation  military  salute. 

"  Herr  Lieutenant,  I  wanted  to  respectfully  report 
— I  couldn't  hear  anything  up  there,  but  I  saw  the 
whole  affair." 

"  Indeed  ?  Well,  that  alters  nothing,  though  I  did 
not  particularly  desire  your  presence.  To  be  sure,  I 
had  entirely  forgotten  you." 

"  I  believe  so  !  "  said  George,  sighing  a  second  time, 
and  even  more  piteousl}'.  "You  had  forgotten 
everything.  If  all  Krivoscia  had  come  up  and  made 
an  end  of  us  I  don't  think  you  would  have  even 
noticed  it.  But  I  at  least  kept  watch  and  prayed 
constantly  for  the  salvation  of  your  soul,  but  it  did 
no  good." 

"  That  was  very  kind  of  you !  "  replied  Gerald,  who 
was  completely  possessed  by  the  arrogance  of  hap- 
piness  which  raised  him   far  above   all  anxiety  or 


140  DANIRA. 

thought  of  peril.  "  I  certainly  had  no  time  for  that, 
since,  as  you  saw,  I  was  pledging  my  troth." 

"  Herr  Gerald!"  In  his  despair  George  forgot 
respect  and  used  the  old  familiar  name.  "  Herr 
Gerald — by  all  tlie  saints — this  is  awful  !  " 

"  To  betroth  one's  self  in  the  presence  of  mortal 
danger?  It  is  certainly  unusual,  but  the  time  and 
place  cannot  always  be  chosen." 

This  liad  not  been  George's  meaning.  He  thought 
the  fact  terrible  in  itself,  and  Avith  a  face  better 
suited  to  funereal  condolence  than  congratulation 
he  said : 

"  I've  long  known  it !  I  said  day  before  yesterday 
to  Father  Leonhard  :  '  Take  heed,  3'our  reverence, 
some  misfortune  will  happen  !  And  if  it  does  all 
Tyrol  will  be  turned  topsy-turvy  and  Castle  Steinach 
to  boot '  " 

"  Let  them  !  then." 

"'And  the  blow  will  kill  liis  mother,'"  George 
continued,  pursuing  the  current  of  his  mournful 
prophecies. 

"  My  mother ! "  said  Gerald,  who  had  suddenly 
grown  grave.  "  Yes,  I  shall  have  a  hard  struggle 
with  her.  No  matter!  The  battle  must  be  fought. 
Not  a  word  more,  George  !  "  he  cried,  interrupting 
the  young  soldier,  who  was  about  to  speak.  "  You 
know  T  submit  to  many  liberties  of  speech  from  3-ou 
where  tlie  matter  concerns  only  myself,  but  there 
my  indulgence  ends.  From  this  moment  you  must 
respect  in  Danira  Ilersovac  my  future  wife:  remem- 
ber it  and  govern  yourself  accordingly." 


DANIBA.  141 

"  Perhaps  we  shall  both  be  killed  first  I "  said 
George,  in  a  tone  whicli  seemed  to  imply  that  it 
would  afford  liini  special  consolation.  "  I  don't  be- 
lieve this  bewitched  spring  is  a  protection  against 
murder,  and  if  the  enemy  doesn't  finish  us,  the  con- 
founded rock  hanging  in  the  air  yonder  will.  It 
moved  when  the  ho7-a  just  blew  so  madly.  I  saw  it 
distinctly.  It  actually  nodded  to  me,  as  if  it  wanted 
to  say  :  '  Just  wait,  I'll  drop  down  on  your  heads !'  " 

He  pointed  upward  and  Gerald's  eyes  followed  the 
direction  indicated.  The  white  moonbeams  flooded 
the  dark  stone  without  being  able  to  lend  it  any 
light.  Gloomy  and  threatening,  like  a  gigantic 
shadow,  the  rock  overhung  the  entrance  of  the  ravine, 
and  the  shimmering  moon-rays  produced  such  an 
illusion  that  it  seemed  to  the  young  officer  as  though 
the  summit  had  actually  sunk  lower  and  the  opening 
had  grown  smaller,  but  he  shook  his  head  in  denial. 

"  Nonsense  !  Surely  you  heard  that  the  rock  had 
leaned  so  for  centuries.  It  lias  endured  far  different 
storms  from  this  one  ;  even  tlie  fiercest  bo7Yi  can  do 
nothing  against  this  unyielding  stone.  At  any  rate 
this  is  our  best  position  for  defense.  Our  backs  are 
protected,  and  we  can  watch  the  approach  of  the 
enemy — hark  !  What  was  that  ?  Did  you  hear 
nothing  ?  " 

The  two  men  listened  intentl3^  George  too  had 
started,  fcv  he  also  had  heard  a  strange  noise,  but  the 
wind  drowned  it  entirely.  A  long  time  pivssed,  then 
the  bora  lulled  a  few  minutes,  and  now  they  distinct- 
ly heard,  at  no  very  great  distance,  the  sound  of 


142  DANIRA. 

footsteps  and  voices,  which,  judging  by  the  echo,  be- 
longed to  a  large  body  of  men. 

"  There  they  are  ! "  said  Gerald,  who,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  danger,  had  completely  regained  his  coolness  ; 
his  voice  scarcely  betrayed  a  trace  of  excitement. 
"  Come  here  by  my  side,  George  !  We'll  keep  to- 
gether so  long  as  we  can  hold  out.  They  shall  at 
least  see  that  they  have  to  deal  with  men  who  will 
not  let  themselves  be  slaughtered  without  resist- 
ance." 

George  accepted  the  invitation  and  stationed  him- 
self by  his  lieutenant's  side,  but  could  not  help  in 
this  critical  moment  uttering  a  last  hurried  prayer  to 
his  patron  saint. 

"  Saint  George  !  I've  never  bothered  you  much 
with  petitions,  and  always  lielped  myself  wherever  it 
was  possible,  but  there's  no  chance  here.  You  know 
I  haven't  been  a  bad  fellow,  except  for  my  love  of 
brawling  and  fighting,  but  you  liked  it  too,  Saint 
George  !  You  always  struck  about  with  your  sword 
and  hewed  down  the  dragon,  so  that  it  could  only 
writhe.  So  help  us  fight,  or  rather  fight  with  us,  for 
we  can  never  conquer  alone.  And  if  you  will  not 
do  that,  at  least  grant  us  a  blessed  end,  and  take  the 
poor  little  pagan,  Jovica,  under  your  protection,  so 
that  she  can  be  baptized  and  meet  us  some  day  in 
heaven — Amen  !  " 

Jovica !  That  was  the  last  thought  of  the  young 
Tyrolese,  even  later  than  his  soul's  salvation ;  he 
wanted  at  least  to  have  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  her 
again  in  heaven. 


DANIRA.  143 

"  Are  you  ready  ?  "  asked  Gerald,  who  had  not  lost 
sight  of  the  entrance  a  moment,  though  he  heard  the 
murmuring  of  his  companion.  George  drew  himself 
up  resolutel}'. 

"  Ready,  Herr  Lieutenant !  The  praying  is  finished, 
now  it's  time  for  the  fighting,  and  I  don't  think  I 
shall  disgrace  my  patron  saint." 

The  men  stood  side  by  side,  grasping  their  weap- 
ons firmly  in  their  hands  ready  for  an  attack,  which, 
it  is  true,  merely  afforded  them  the  hope  of  an  honor- 
able death,  for  if  it  once  came  to  fighting  they  were 
lost,  but  minute  after  minute  passed,  and  the  assault 
was  not  made. 

The  entrance  to  the  ravine  was  open  and  unguarded, 
and  the  pursuers  had  now  reached  it. 

Their  voices,  raised  in  loud,  angry  tones,  were 
distinctly  heard  in  the  pauses  of  the  storm,  but  no 
one  appeared,  no  one  crossed  the  threshold  of  the 
rock  gateway ;  an  invisible  barrier  kept  them  back. 

An  anxious  quarter  of  an  hour,  which  seemed 
endless,  passed  in  this  perplexing  quiet.  Sometimes, 
single  figures,  standing  in  dark,  sliarp  relief  against 
the  starry  sky,  appeared  high  up  on  the  edge  of  the 
ravine,  evidently  trying  to  obtain  a  view  of  the  bot- 
tom. Their  weapons  glittered  in  the  moonlight,  but 
not  a  shot  was  fired.  At  last  they  vanished  again, 
while  the  confused  roar  of  the  tempest  grew  still 
louder  and  fiercer  than  before. 

"  Strange  I  They  really  do  not  dare  to  approach 
the  spring  !  "  said  Gerald  in  a  low  tone.  "  Danira  is 
right,  the  tradition  will  be  respected,  even  against 
the  enemy — I  would  not  have  believed  it." 


144  DANIRA. 

"  This  is  getting  tiresome,  Herr  Lieutenant,"  repliea 
George.  "  Here  we've  been  standing  for  more  than 
lialf  an  hour,  perfectly  resigned  to  our  fate  and  ready 
to  be  murdered — of  course,  after  we've  killed  half  a 
dozen  of  the  enemy — and  now  nothing  happens  ! 
This  is  evidently  witchcraft.  These  people  fear 
neither  death  nor  devil,  and  yet  are  afraid  of  water." 

"  Then  we  will  remain  under  the  protection  of  this 
water.  You  heard  the  caution  ;  not  a  step  beyond 
that  rock !  "Whatever  they  try,  whatever  happens, 
we  will  not  quit  the  spring  until  help  comes — if  it 
comes  at  all." 

The  last  words  sounded  gloomy  and  despairing,  the 
young  officer  was  thinking  of  all  the  possibilities  that 
might  detain  Danira  on  her  way  to  the  fort,  but 
George  said  confidently : 

"Our  comrades  won't  leave  us  in  the  lurch,  nor 
Saint  George  either.  He  will  have  some  considera- 
tion and  help  an  honest  Tyrolese  against  this  band 
of  murderers.  It  would  have  been  a  pity  about  us 
both,  Herr  Lieutenant.  I'm  in  no  hurry  to  die  yet. 
I  think  there  will  be  plenty  of  time  for  that,  fifty 
years  hence,  and  it  would  be  too  bad  to  have  the 
Moosbach  Farm  go  to  strangers." 

With  these  words  George  leaned  comfortably 
against  the  cliff,  and  began  to  imagine  the  fifty  years 
and  picture  Jovica's  delight  when  he  entered  the  fort 
alive  and  well.  He  finally  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  an  earthly  meeting  of  this  sort  Avould  be  prefer- 
able to  a  union  in  heaven,  especially  as,  owing  to  his 
foundling's  paganism,  the  latter  was  somewhat  doubt- 
ful. 


DANIEA.  145 

Hour  after  hour  elapsed ;  the  night  began  to  wane, 
the  stars  shone  less  brightl  y,  then  one  by  one  vanished, 
and  the  cold,  gray  dawn,  rested  on  the  earth.  The 
hora^ioo,  had  almost  ceased.  It  only  blew  occasion- 
ally in  violent  gusts  that  raged  with  redoubled 
power,  but  the  pauses  between  constantly  length- 
ened, the  storm  was  evidently  nearly  over. 

Outside  the  ravine  containing  the  Vila  spring  was 
the  band  of  pursuers  who,  with  dogged,  tireless 
endurance,  had  waited  there  for  hours.  Daniraknew 
her  race  and  especially  Marco  Obrevic.  She  was 
well  aware  that  he  would  not  leave  the  track  of  his 
foe,  though  he  would  not  dare  to  approach  the  spring. 
In  fact  he  had  not  yet  ventured  to  do  so,  but  now  his 
unruly  nature  seemed  to  triumph  over  the  barrier 
that  restrained  it. 

A  dispute  had  evidently  broken  out  among  the 
men;  their  voices  rose  in  loud  altercation,  Marco's 
loudest  of  all.  He  was  standing  in  the  midst  of  liis 
companions,  towering  in  height  above  them  all,  but 
his  bearing  was  menacing  and  defiant,  as  if  he  were 
in  the  act  of  carrying  out  his  will  by  force. 

Stephan  Hersovac  was  vainly  trying  to  restore 
peace. 

"  Let  him  go  ;  he  only  threatens ;  he  will  not  do 
it,"  he  called  to  the  others. 

"  You  will  not  violate  the  spring,  Marco ;  the  two 
men  in  the  ravine  cannot  escape  us,  but  Ave  must 
wait  till—' 

"  Wait !"  interrupted  Marco,  whose  voice  betrayed 
the  fury  that  seethed  in  his  heart.  "  Haven't  we 
10 


146  DANIRA. 

waited  here  since  midnight  ?  Hell  may  have  revealed 
the  secret  to  them — they  know  it,  they  must  know 
it !  No  wile,  no  threat  will  induce  them  to  come  forth ; 
they  will  not  quit  the  spring.  Shall  we  camp  here, 
perhaps  for  days,  till  hunger  drives  them  out  or  until 
they  are  missed  at  the  fort  and  troops  come  to  rescue 
them.     What  then  ?  " 

"  Then  the  Vila  spring  will  have  protected  them, 
and  we  must  submit,"  said  one  of  the  men,  an  old 
mountaineer  with  iron-gray  hair,  but  a  form  still 
vigorous  and  unbent. 

"  Never !  "  cried  Marco,  furiously  "  Rather  will 
I  strike  him  down  on  this  spot,  though  it  should 
cause  my  own  destruction.  For  months  I  have 
sought  him  and  he  has  ever  escaped  me.  At  last  I 
have  him  in  my  grasp,  and  I  will  not  withdraw  my 
hand  till  it  is  red  with  his  blood.  I  have  sworn  it, 
and  I  will  keep  my  oath.  No  spell  protects  the  man 
who  killed  my  father  and  your  chief." 

"  The  A^ila  spring  protects  all !  "  said  the  same  old 
man  with  marked  emphasis.  "  Back,  Marco  !  Mad- 
man !  You  will  bring  misfortune  on  yourself  and  on 
us  all,  if  you  break  the  peace." 

"  Do  you  suppose  I  am  not  man  enough  to  fight 
those  two  men  alone?"  sneered  Obrevic.  "Stay  be- 
hind !  I'll  take  the  consequences  upon  myself.  Make 
way,  Stephan,  I  am  going  into  the  ravine." 

A  threatening  murmur  rose  on  all  sides  against  the 
young  chief.  The  men  had  followed  with  eager, 
passionate  approval  when  he  set  out  to  crush  his  foe. 
The  foreign  ofiicer  had  slain  tlie  head  of  the  tribe, 


DANIRA.  147 

they  were  all  summoned  to  avenge  the  fallen  man — 
first  of  all,  his  son.  That  was  a  thing  imperative, 
inevitable,  which  according  to  their  ideas  of  justice 
must  be  done.  Each  man  was  ready  to  aid,  and  no 
one  scrupled  because  tlie  victim  had  been  treacher- 
ously lured  into  a  trap  and  was  now  assailed  by 
greatly  superior  numbers. 

Danira  had  told  the  truth ;  here  only  the  deed  was 
important;  how  it  was  accomplished  no  one  cared. 

But  now  the  point  in  question  was  the  violation  of 
an  old  and  sacred  tradition,  which  no  one  had  yet 
ventured  to  assail,  and  superstition,  which  among 
uncultured  races  is  even  more  powerful  than  religion, 
stood  with  threatening  aspect  between  Gerald  and 
his  pursuers.  The  Vila  spring  was  mysteriously  as- 
sociated with  all  the  legends  of  the  country  to  which 
it  belonged ;  to  violate  it  was  to  bring  misfortune 
iipon  land  and  people.  Only  a  nature  like  that  of 
Marco,  who  knew  no  law  save  his  own  will,  could 
have  attempted  to  rebel  against  it,  and  when  he  did 
so  his  comrades  seemed  on  the  verge  of  preventing 
him  by  force.  Surrounding  him  they  barred  his  way 
to  the  ravine.  Weapons  flashed  and  it  seemed  as 
though  the  conflict  might  end  in  bloodshed,  when 
Stephan  Hersovac  again  interposed. 

"  Let  us  have  peace,"  he  said,  placing  himself  by 
his  friend's  side.  "  Shall  our  own  blood  flow  for  the 
sake  of  an  enemy,  a  stranger?  Keep  back,  Marco, 
you  don't  know  what  you  are  doing,"  and,  lowering 
his  voice  so  that  no  one  save  Obrevic  could  hear,  he 
added : 


148  DAITTRA. 

"  You  want  to  lead  us  to  the  attack  again  to-mor- 
row. Not  a  man  will  follow  you  if  you  shed  blood 
in  this  place,  you  will  be  outlawed  and  all  will  turn 
from  you." 

He  had  taken  the  right  way  to  restrain  the  fierce 
Obrevic.  The  latter  uttered  a  suppressed  exclamation 
of  fury  and  clenched  his  teeth,  but  he  made  no  further 
effort  to  bi'eak  througli  the  circle  that  surrounded 
him.  He  knew  only  too  well  that  his  disheartened, 
diminished  band  followed  him  reluctantly  to  the  com- 
bat in  which  he  meant  to  deal  the  enemy  one  last, 
desperate  blow ;  that  the  men  saw  safety  only  in  sur- 
render. The  power  of  his  personal  influence  still  in- 
duced them  to  obey  him,  but  this  power  would  be 
ended  if  he  actually  entered  the  magic  circle  with 
uplifted  weapon. 

Just  at  this  moment  a  single  figure,  apparently  a 
boy,  came  toward  them  from  the  village.  It  was  the 
shepherd  lad  who  had  been  sent  to  carry  Gerald  the 
false  message,  who  had  served  as  guide,  and  then 
hurried  to  Marco  with  the  tidings.  He  ran  at  full 
speed  to  the  men,  whom  he  at  last  reached,  panting 
and  breathless. 

"  Beware,  Marco  Obrevic  !  "  he  gasped,  "  the  sol- 
diers are  coming — twice  your  number — they  are 
searching  for  him,  the  foreign  officer — and  you !  " 

All  started  at  the  unexpected  news,  but  Marco 
vehemently  exclaimed : 

"  You  lie !  They  cannot  have  heard  yet ;  they 
think  the  village  is  occupied  by  their  own  men.  Are 
they  there?" 


DANIRA.  14y 

"  No,  they  passed  by  without  stopping,  without 
asking  a  question.  They  are  marching  to  the  Vila 
spring,  I  heard  the  name." 

"  This  is  treason.  How  do  they  know  he  is  there  ? 
They  ought  to  think  he  is  in  the  village.  Who  was 
it  took  the  message  to  them  ?  " 

"Never  mind  that  now,"  interrupted  Stephan. 
"  You  hear  that  there  are  twice  our  number.  We 
cannot  fight  here,  it  would  be  certain  destruction. 
Let  us  go  while  we  have  time." 

"  And  let  him  downi  yonder  be  free  again  ?  I'll 
first  settle  with  him  and  know  who  is  the  traitor. 
Speak,  knave,  was  it  you  ?  Did  you  allow  yourself 
to  be  bribed  and  bring  the  foe  upon  us  ?  Answer, 
or  you  die  !  " 

He  had  seized  the  messenger  with  a  rude  grasp 
and  was  shaking  him  as  if  he  wished  to  verify  his 
threat;  the  boy  fell  upon  his  knees. 

"  I  only  did  what  you  ordered,  notliing  more.  I 
waited  till  I  saw  the  strangers  enter  Stephan  Herso- 
vac's  house.  There  was  no  one  in  it  except  his  wife 
and  Danira." 

"  Danira  !  '*  repeated  Marco,  in  a  hollow,  thoughtful 
tone.  "  She  had  disappeared  when  we  came — where 
can  she  be  ?  " 

"  Marco,  decide  !  "  urged  Stephan,  impatiently. 
"  The  troops  are  in  the  village  ;  they  may  be  here  in 
half  an  hour.     Let  us  go." 

Obrevic  did  not  hear.  He  was  standing  motionless 
with  his  eyes  bent  on  the  ground,  as  if  brooding  over 
some  monstrous  thought.     The  instinct  of  jealousy 


150  DANIRA. 

guided  him  into  the  right  track,  and  suddenly,  like 
a  flash  of  lightning,  an  idea  pierced  the  gloom — he 
guessed  the  truth. 

"  Now  I  know,  I  know  the  traitor !  "  he  cried  in 
terrible  excitement.  "  Danira — that's  why  -she 
trembled  and  turned  pale  when  I  vowed  vendetta 
against  this  Gerald  von  Steinach.  She  wants  to  save 
him,  even  at  the  cost  of  treason,  but  she  shall  aiot 
succeed.  He  shall  fall  first  by  my  hand,  and  then 
she  who  is  leading  the  foe  upon  us.  No  departure ! 
No  retreat !     We  will  stay  and  await  the  enemy." 

It  was  a  mad  design  to  enter  M-ith  his  little  band 
upon  a  conflict  with  a  force  double  its  number,  and 
no  prospect  existed  except  certain  defeat.  All  the 
men  felt  this,  and  therefore  refused  to  obey.  Impa- 
tiently and  angrily  they  clamored  for  departure,  the 
cry  rose  on  all  sides,  but  in  vain. 

Since  Obrevic  had  recognized  in  Gerald  his  rival, 
he  no  longer  asked  whetlier  he  was  delivering  him- 
self and  all  his  companions  to  destruction ;  his  hate, 
inflamed  to  madness,  knew  but  one  thought : 
revenge. 

"  Do  you  not  dare  hold  out  ?  "  he  shouted.  "  Cow- 
ards !  I  have  long  known  what  was  in  your  minds. 
If  it  leads  to  defeat,  to  surrender,  I  shall  stay.  Out 
of  my  path,  Stephan  !  Out  of  my  path,  I  say — do 
not  prevent  me,  or  you  shall  be  tlie  first  to  fall !  " 

He  swung  his  sabre  threateningly.  Stephan  drew 
back.  He  knew  the  blind  rage  that  no  longer  dis- 
tinguished between  friend  and  foe,  and  the  others,  too, 
knew  their  leader.     No  one  made  any  farther  oppo 


DANIRA.  151 

sition,  only  the  old  gray-haired  mountaineer  with  the 
flashing  eyes  called  after  him  in  warning  tones  : 

"  Marco  Obrevic,  beware.  The  Vila  spring  allows 
no  vengeance  and  no  blood." 

Marco  laughed  scornfully. 

"  Let  it  prevent  me  then !  If  God  above  should 
descend  from  heaven  Himself,  He  will  not  stay  me  ; 
I  will  keep  my  vow." 

They  were  almost  the  same  words  Danira  had 
uttered  in  this  very  spot  a  few  hours  before.  But 
Mdiatwas  then  a  cry  of  mortal  anguish  now  became 
a  fierce,  scornful  challenge. 

Marco  raised  his  head  toward  the  brightening 
morning  sky  as  though  to  hurl  the  defiance  into  its 
face,  and  with  uplifted  weapon  entered  the  rocky 
gateway,  the  precinct  protected  by  the  spell. 

Just  at  that  moment  the  hora  again  blew  one  last 
violent  blast,  raging  over  the  earth  as  if  all  the  spirits 
of  evil  were  abroad.  The  men  had  flung  themselves 
on  the  ground  to  escape  the  force  of  the  gale,  and  the 
boy  did  the  same. 

Then  the  earth  beneath  them  trembled  and  shook, 
while  above  echoed  a  sound  like  thunder.  There  was 
a  crashing,  rumbling,  deafening  noise  as  though  the 
whole  ravine  was  falling  into  ruins — then  a  deep, 
horrible  silence. 

Stephan  was  the  first  to  rise,  but  his  dark  face  grew 
ashy  pale  as  he  looked  around  him.  The  huge  gate- 
way created  by  Nature  herself  for  the  ravine,  had 
vanished,  and  in  its  place  a  heap  of  broken  rocks  and 
bowlders  barred  the  entrance.     The  peak  which  for 


152  DANIRA. 

centuries  had  hung  down  threateningly,  had  fallen, 
The  Vila  spring  had  guarded  its  inviolability. 

The  others  also  rose,  but  no  one  uttered  a  word. 
Silent  and  awe-stricken,  they  gazed  at  the  mass  of 
ruins  and  the  body  of  their  chief  who  had  been  killed 
by  the  falling  rock.  Marco  Obrevic  lay  buried  under 
it.  Only  a  portion  of  his  face  was  visible,  but  it  was 
the  face  of  a  corpse. 

The  fierce  sons  of  the  mountains  were  familiar 
with  all  the  horrors  of  battle.  They  looked  death 
in  the  face  daily  and  hourl}-,  but  in  the  presence  of 
this  sign  they  trembled  and  the  fearful  answer  their 
leader's  scoff  had  received  was  spoken  to  them  also. 
All  crowded  around  Stephan  Hersovac,  the  younger 
and  now  the  only  chief  of  the  tribe,  and  a  low,  eager 
consultation  took  place.  But  it  did  not  last  long, 
and  seemed  to  end  in  the  most  perfect  unanimity  of 
opinion.  After  a  few  minutes  Stephan  separated 
from  his  companions  and  approached  the  edge  of  the 
ravine  from  a  different  direction. 

Here  he  shouted  a  few  Slavonic  words.  Gerald, 
who  thoroughly  understood  the  language,  answered  in 
the  same  tongue.  Then  the  leader  gave  the  signal 
for  departure,  and  the  little  band  marched  silently 
and  gloomily  away.  They  could  not  take  Marco's 
body  with  them.  It  would  have  required  hours  to 
remove  the  mass  of  rock  that  covered  the  corpse. 

Through  the  pale,  gray  light  of  morning  appeared 
the  party  sent  to  secure  Gerald  and  George,  accom- 
panied by  Father  Leonhard,  who  had  joined  the  ex- 
pedition when  he  learned  its  object,  and  had  bravely 


DAN  IRA.  163 

endured  the  toilsome  march  through  the  night  and 
tempest. 

It  had  gradually  grown  light,  so  that  everything 
could  be  distinctly  seen,  and  the  troops  perceived 
Stephan  and  his  men  vanish  in  the  distance. 

"I  hope  we  have  not  come  too  late,"  said  the  officer 
in  command.  "  There  is  the  enemy.  If  only  they 
have  not  done  their  bloody  work." 

"  God  forbid  !  "  exclaimed  the  priest.  "  We  have 
reached  the  spot,  but  I  don't  see  the  rock  gateway 
Danira  described,  there  is  nothing  but  a  heap  of 
stones.     Can  we  have  made  a  mistake?" 

"  We  shall  know  immediately.  Forward !  Let 
us  search  the  ravine.  We  must  find  them,  alive  or 
dead." 

The  men  marched  rapidly  on,  but  before  it  was 
possible  to  obtain  a  glimpse  of  the  ravine,  the  names 
of  the  missing  comrades  were  shouted. 

"Herr  von  Steinach — Gerald  !  "  rang  at  the  same 
instant  from  the  lips  of  officer  and  priest,  while 
Bartel,  who  was  also  present  and  had  completely 
forsfotten  the  affectionate  admonition  of  his  friend 
and  countrymarf,  called  in  a  most  piteous  tone : 

"  George  !  George  Moosbach !  " 

"  Here's  George  !  "  replied  the  voice  of  the  incor- 
rigible Tyrolese,  who  had  just  emerged  from  the 
ravine.  "  And  here's  my  lieutenant,  too,  safe  and 
sound.  How  are  you,  comrades  ^  I  knew  it !  I 
knew  you  wouldn't  leave  us  in  the  lurch !  And 
Father  Leonhard  too  !  Good-morning,  your  rever- 
ence 1 " 


154  DANIRA. 

He  climbed  on  top  of  the  cliff  and  Gerald  aj)- 
peared  behind  him.  Both  received  an  eager,  joyous 
greeting,  and  tlien  followed  a  perfect  cross-fii'e  of 
questions,  explanations  and  reports,  but  while  Gerald 
was  giving  his  comrade  and  Father  Leonhard  a  mi- 
nute description  of  what  had  occurred,  George  seized 
his  countryman  by  the  sleeve  and  asked  excitedly : 
"Bartel,  you've  come  from  the  fort — how  is  Jo- 
vica?" 

Father  Leonhard  also  had  a  similar  question  to 
answer.  Gerald  took  the  first  opportunity  to  draw 
him  aside  and  inquire  anxiously  : 

"  Where  is  Danira  ?  Has  she  returned  to  the 
fort?" 

"  No  ;  after  pointing  out  the  way  so  that  we  could 
not  miss  it,  she  went  back  to  the  village.  She  did 
not  wish  to  witness  the  probable  conflict.  Gerald, 
it  seems  to  me  that  the  young  girl  has  a  dangerous 
resolve.  Not  a  word  could  be  won  from  her  about 
it,  but  I  fear  she  means  to  tell  her  countrymen  what 
she  has  done,  and  then  she  is  lost !  " 

"  Not  now  ! "  said  the  young  officer,  with  sup- 
pressed emotion.  "The  war  is  over,  we  shall  con- 
clude peace.  Stephan  Hersovac  as  he  marched  away 
called  to  me  that  he  would  come  to  the  fort  to-mor- 
row with  some  of  his  followers  to  conduct  negotia- 
tions. I  think  he  has  long  desired  to  do  so,  but 
Obrevic's  influence  deterred  him, 

"Thank  God!  Then  lie  will  not  avenge  on  his 
sister  the  step  he  will  himself  take  to-morrow ;  she 
could  not  be  induced  to  remain  under  our  protec- 
tion." 


D  ANTRA.  155 

"  I  think  she  will  now  confide  herself  to  mine," 
said  Gerald,  with  a  joyous  light  sparkling  in  his 
eyes.  "  She  must  learn  this  very  hour  that  no  blood 
has  flowed  here  save  that  of  the  unhappy  man  who 
lies  lifeless  yonder,  and  that  v\^as  shed  by  no  human 
hand ;  it  was  a  judgment  of  God  Himself,  whom  he 
defied.  Your  reverence,  you  have  come  too  late  to 
ofive  the  dead  chief  the  last  consolations  of  the  church. 
He  died  unreconciled  to  himself  and  to  his  God. 

They  turned  toward  the  pile  of  shattered  rocks, 
around  which  the  others  had  already  gathered,  but 
all  made  way  for  Father  Leonhard. 

The  priest  slowly  advanced  and  gazed  down  a  few 
seconds  at  the  rigid,  blood-stained  face,  then  raising 
the  cross  he  wore  in  his  girdle  and  holding  it  above 
the  dead  man  he  said,  with  deep  solemnity : 

"  Vengeance  is  mine !  I  will  repay,  saith  the 
Lord." 


DANIBA  157 


VIII. 

The  insurrection  was  over,  the  last  desperate  re- 
sistance made  by  Marco  Obrevic  at  the  head  of  his 
tribe  ceased  with  his  death.  Stephan  Hersovac  was 
not  a  man  to  uphold  a  lost  cause  to  his  own  destruc- 
tion ;  he  lacked  both  the  obstinacy  and  the  energy  of 
his  predecessor.  He  had  really  appeared  at  the  fort 
and  accepted  the  conditions  offered ;  so  the  revolt, 
so  far  as  this  mountain  province  was  concerned,  was 
ended. 

True,  weeks  and  months  elapsed  before  the  troops 
returned  home,  and  Gerald's  regiment  was  one  of  the 
last  to  leave.  It  remained  some  time  in  .Cattaro  be- 
fore the  embarkation,  but  fate  spared  the  young  offi- 
cer an  unpleasant  meeting.  Colonel  Arlow  and  his 
daughter  were  no  longer  in  the  city. 

During  the  whole  rebellion  the  commandant  had 
displayed  so  much  discretion  and  energy  in  his  diffi- 
cult and  responsible  position  that  due  recognition  of 
his  services  was  not  delayed.  He  was  recalled  from 
his  post  to  receive  a  fitting  promotion,  and  assigned 
to  the  command  of  a  garrison  in  one  of  the  Austrian 
capitals. 

It  had  long  been  his  desire  to  exchange  the  distant 
Dalmatian  fortress  for  garrison  duty  at  home,  and  it 
was  doubtless  owing  to  this  fact  that  the  transfer 
was  made  so  speedily. 


158  DANIRA. 

The  new  commandant  arrived  much  earlier  than 
he  was  expected,  and  directly  after  his  predecessor 
quitted  tlie  citj'-  and  was  already  in  his  home  when 
Gerald's  regiment  entered  Cattaro. 

The  young  officer  had  passed  through  a  season  of 
severe  trial,  months  of  conflict  with  all  the  obstacles 
that  warred  against  his  love.  He  had  been  com- 
-pelled,  in  the  fullest  sense  of  the  word,  to  fight,  but 
he  knew  how  to  assert  the  claim  that  hour  of  mortal 
peril  had  given  him. 

He  had  seen  Danira  again  when  the  troops  from 
the  Vila  ravine  returned  to  the  village  to  take  a 
short  rest  after  their  Imrried  march,  and  here  a  final 
struggle  occurred  to  induce  the  young  girl  to  keep 
silence.  She  was  firmly  resolved  to  tell  her  country- 
men what  she  had  done  and  who  had  brought  the 
relief. 

Although  peace  and  reconciliation  were  close  at 
hand,  she  would  not  have  been  sure  of  her  life  a 
single  hour  after  sucli  a  confession,  but  the  terrible 
event  which  ended  Marco's  life  uttered  its  decisive 
word  here  also,  and  bowed  the  girl's  stubborn  will. 
And  it  was  her  lover  who  pleaded,  who  with  all  the 
influence  of  his  devotion  persuaded  her  that  here, 
where  no  blood  liad  flowed  by  her  fault,  no  atone- 
ment was  required.  Obstacles  and  barriers  of  every 
kind  barred  the  possibility  of  a  union — the  tie  still 
existing  in  name  between  Gerald  and  liis  former 
flancSe^  the  probable  opposition  from  his  mother,  the 
conflict  with  Stephan,  who  certainly  would  not 
quietly  permit  his  sister  to  wed  a  foreigner ;  but  none 


DANIRA.  159 

of  these  things  could  shake  the  young  officer's  cour- 
age and  confidence  since  he  had  Danira's  promise  to 
be  his,  though  he  left  her  with  a  heavy  heart  in  her 
brother's  house,  which  for  the  present  was  her  only 
refuge. 

In  the  fierce  altercation,  when,  at  the  approach  of 
the  troops,  all  crowded  around  their  reluctant  chief 
to  urge  retreat,  and  every  one  shouted  and  screamed 
at  the  same  moment,  Marco's  last  words,  in  which 
he  uttered  his  suspicion  of  Danira,  had  either  been 
unheard  or  not  fully  understood — except  by  Stephan, 
and  the  latter  preferred  to  keep  silence.  He  did  not 
wish  to  know  what  he  no  longer  possessed  the  right 
to  punisli,  since  he  had  himself  gone  to  the  enemy 
and  submitted  to  his  terms. 

Marco  Obrevic,  with  iron  consistency,  would  have 
sacrificed  his  love,  his  wife,  at  such  a  discovery. 
Stephan  was  differently  constituted.  He  did  not 
wish  to  see  his  sister  die  by  the  hands  of  his  country- 
men, and  he  knew  that  she  was  lost  if  even  a  sus- 
picion arose  against  her.  He  therefore  pretended  to 
believe  what  was  told  him  and  his  companions  at  the 
fort — to  protect  Danira  from  any  act  of  vengeance — 
that  the  troops,  without  any  suspicion  of  Gerald's 
fate,  had  set  out  for  the  purpose  of  seeking  the  enemy 
whom  they  believed  to  be  in  that  direction,  and  were 
greatly  surprised  when,  on  the  way,  they  found  their 
officer. 

This  explanation  satisfied  the  mountaineers,  who 
were  not  in  the  habit  of  pondering  over  anything  ir- 
revocable.    The  apparent  accident  seemed  to  them 


160  BANIRA. 

only  a  confirmation  of  the  judgment  which  had  over- 
taken their  leader  because  he  had  ventured  to  defy 
the  ancient,  time-hallowed  tradition  of  his  people 
No  suspicion  was  aroused  against  Danira.  Not  until 
the  hour  of  parting  did  Stephan  learn  from  her  lips 
what  to  him  was  no  secret. 

George  Moosbach,  whose  time  of  service  would 
expire  in  a  few  weeks,  was  very  proud  of  returning 
home  decked  with  a  medal  for  bravery  as  one  of  the 
conquerors  of  Krivoscia,  but  he  was  much  out  of 
humor  and  greatly  oifended  because  Father  Leonhard 
would  not  permit  him  to  practice  his  paternal  duties 
to  the  degree  he  thought  necessary. 

The  meeting  at  the  fort  when  Jovica,  with  en- 
thusiastic joj'-,  flew  to  greet  her  protector,  and  George 
could  find  no  end  to  his  words  of  welcome,  had  made 
the  priest  very  uneasy,  and  he  afterward  restricted 
their  intercourse  as  far  as  possible.  Besides,  he  was 
sei'iously  embarrassed  to  decide  how  to  dispose  of  the 
young  girl.  Jovica  had  neither  home  nor  relatives, 
and  though  it  was  Father  Leonhard's  intention  to 
make  her  a  Christian,  his  official  duties  gave  him 
little  time  to  act  the  part  of  teacher. 

The  girl  had  not  learned  much  German  and  was 
just  beginning  to  understand  the  precepts  of  Chris- 
tianity when  the  order  arrived  for  the  regiment  to 
march  to  Cattaro,  and  thus  the  question  ■what  was  to 
become  of  the  "little  Pagan  "  had  to  be  seriouslv 
considered.  George  wanted  to  take  her  to  the  ?\I<k)s- 
bach  Farm  and  foi-mally  present  her  to  his  parents 
as  his  adopted  child,  but  Father  Leonhard,  wlioknew 


DAN  IRA.  161 

tlie  characters  of  the  farmer  and  his  wife  better,  op- 
posed this  i>lan,  until  at  hist  Gerald  made  a  sugges- 
tion which  was  adopted  by  both  parties. 

He  proposed  that  Jovica,  who  had  proved  very 
capable  and  obliging,  sliould  accompany  Danira, 
with  whom  she  had  the  tie  of  a  common  country  and 
language,  as  a  sort  of  maid,  and  remain  under  her 
protection  until  her  future  was  finally  decided.  True, 
George  was  only  half  satisfied  with  this  arrange- 
ment, which  in  his  opinion  did  not  give  sufficient 
importance  to  his  paternal  rights,  but  as  it  afforded 
him  the  opportunity  to  see  his  protegee  daily  he  sub- 
mitted. 

The  hour  of  embarkation  had  come,  and  the 
steamer  which  conveyed  the  officers  and  a  small  de- 
tachment of  the  men  steered  out  into  the  bay. 

On  the  guards  of  the  vessel,  a  little  apart  from 
his  comrades,  stood  Gerald,  and  by  his  side  Danira, 
who,  since  the  day  before,  had  borne  his  name. 
Father  Leonhard  had  privately  married  them  on  the 
day  previous  to  their  departure. 

The  young  wife  wore  a  simple  travelling  dress,  yet 
there  was  a  peculiar  charm  in  her  appearance  which 
it  had  lacked  even  when  the  picturesque  costume 
of  her  country  had  lent  her  beauty  so  effective  a  set- 
ting. The  gloomy,  defiant  expression  that  had 
formerly  marred  this  loveliness  had  passed  away. 
In  the  bright  sunshine  that  flooded  the  deck  the 
youthful  figure  no  longer  stood  lilse  a  dark  shadow ; 
the  radiance  rested  on  her  face  also,  a  reflection  of 
the  happiness  that  so  vividly  illumined  her  husband's 

features. 
11 


162  DANIRA. 

The  shore  already  began  to  recede,  and  the  steamer 
was  just  passing  the  commandant's  house,  from  whose 
windows  Danira  had  watched  the  approach  of  the 
vessel  which  brought,  with  Gerald,  her  fate  and 
future. 

The  window,  from  which  Edith's  light  figure  had 
leaned  while  her  laughing,  happy  eyes  sought  her 
lover,  was  now  closed.  The  memory  of  the  price 
her  happiness  had  cost  suddenly  overwhelmed  the 
young  wife,  and  she  turned  away  to  hide  her  tears. 
Gerald  noticed  it. 

"  It  is  hard  for  you  to  leave  your  home,  I  know  !  " 
he  said,  bending  toward  her.  But  she  shook  her 
head. 

"  It  is  only  hard  because  I  must  go  thus,  without 
one  farewell,  without  a  parting  word  from  my  brother. 
Peace  is  now  restored,  and  as  chief  of  a  tribe  he  often 
comes  to  Cattaro  ;  but  on  my  wedding  day  he  did 
not  appear,  I  was  obliged  to  go  to  the  altar  without 
my  only  living  relative." 

"  Did  you  expect  anj^thing  different  after  the 
manner  in  which  Stephan  received  my  suit  ?  He 
seemed  to  consider  it  almost  an  insult,  and  made  it 
hard  enougli  for  me  to  win  you  ;  I  was  forced  to  fairly 
wrest  3^ou  from  him.  You  do  not  imagine  how  pain- 
ful it  has  been  for  me  to  know  that  you  were  sur- 
rounded by  those  who  were  daily  and  hourly  striving 
to  tear  you  from  me,  wliile  I  was  still  absent  in  the 
field." 

"  Was  not  the  same  atteni])t  made  to  influence 
you  ?  And  you  suffered  more  keenly  under  it  than 


DAN  IRA.  163 

I,  for  in  your  case  the  opposition  came  from  the  per- 
son who  was  dearest  to  you  on  earth.  Our  marriage 
also  lacks  your  motlier's  blessing." 

"  Not  by  any  fault  of  mine  !  "  replied  Gerald.  "I 
tried  every  possible  means  of  obtaining  her  consent. 
For  months,  in  my  letters  to  her,  I  have  entreated, 
pleaded,  raged — all  in  vain.  Her  sole  answer  was 
the  stern  '  no,'  the  obstinate  prohibition,  till  I  was  at 
last  forced  to  remember  that  I  am  no  longer  a  child, 
but  a  man  who  knows  what  he  desires  in  life,  and 
will  not  suffer  his  happiness  to  be  destroyed  by  prej- 
udices. You  are  right,  v.^e  have  purchased  this  hap- 
piness dearly ;  it  will  cost  us  both  home  and  the  love 
of  our  nearest  relatives — do  3^ou  think  the  price  too 
high  for  what  we  have  obtained  ?  " 

There  was  passionate  tenderness  in  the  question, 
and  his  young  wife's  look  gave  him  a  fitting  answer. 

After  a  pause  she  said  gently : 

"  Then  you  will  not  enter  your  home  again,  will 
not  even  try  to  personally  induce  your  mother — " 

"  No,"  Gerald  resolutely  interruj)ted.  "  She  refuses 
to  see  you,  so  I  shall  not  go  to  her.  I  know  what 
I  owe  my  wife  ;  either  Castle  Steinach  will  receive 
you  as  its  future  mistress,  or  it  will  never  see  me 
witliin  its  walls.  I  know  the  hostile  influence  acting 
against  us  ;  my  mother  may  be  stern  and  proud,  but 
this  boundless  harshness  to  her  only  son  is  no  part 
of  her  character  ;  it  is  Arlow's  work  !  You  know 
that  after  our  betrothal,  I  wrote  to  him  frankly  and 
unreservedly,  but  with  the  respect  of  a  son  ;  he 
vouchsafed   no   reply,  but    instantly   wrote   to   my 


164  DANIRA. 

raother,  representing  the  affair  to  her  from  liis  point 
of  view.  She  receiv'^ed  the  first  news  from  him  before 
my  letter  reached  her  hands,  and  how  the  tidings 
were  conveyed  I  perceived  from  her  reply.  Since  his 
return  home  he  has  constantly  fanned  the  flames,  and 
at  last  made  an  open  breach." 

"I  can  endure  his  hatred," said Danira,  whose  eyes 
were  still  fixed  upon  tlie  house.  "  I  have  uninten- 
tionally thwarted  his  favorite  wish,  and  he  always 
cherished  an  aversion  towards  me,  but  to  have  Edith 
turn  from  me  in  persistent  resentment  was  at  first 
more  than  I  could  bear.  She  knows  from  my  letter 
how  and  where  we  met,  knows  that  mortal  peril  first 
brought  me  to  your  arms.  I  concealed  nothing,  and, 
witli  all  the  ardent  love  of  the  friend,  the  sister,  im- 
plored her  forgiveness  if  I  had  caused  her  pain — she 
has  not  sent  even  one  line  in  answer." 

"Her  father  would  not  have  allowed  it,  his 
command " 

"Edith  never  lets  herself  be  denied  anything.  She 
is  accustomed  to  obey  the  voice  of  her  heart,  and  is 
all-powerful  with  her  father.  Had  she  wished  to 
write  me  she  would  have  done  so,  in  spite  of  any 
opposing  influence  ;  but  she  cannot  pardon  me  for 
robbing  her  of  your  love — I  understand  that." 

Gerald  was  silent ;  he  would  not  own  how  heavily 
this  unforgiving  resentment  on  the  part  of  his  mother 
and  Edith  weighed  upon  him.  It  cast  a  dark  shadow 
on  the  happiness  of  the  newly-wedded  pair. 

Meantime  the  conversation  between  the  officers 
had  grown  louder  and  more  animated,  and  Lieuten- 
ant Salten  now  said : 


DANIRA.  165 

"  Gerald  has  been  the  wisest  of  us  all.  He  is  tak- 
ing away  an  enviable  souvenir  of  the  campaign,  and 
will  make  a  sensation  in  the  garrison  with  his  beau- 
tiful trophy  of  the  war.  When  people  learn  the 
romance  associated  with  it " 

"You  were  somewhat  involved  in  the  romance 
too,"  interrupted  another  of  the  group  laughing. 
"  Your  stolen  portfolio,  at  any  rate,  played  an  import- 
ant part  in  the  affair." 

"Yes, that  confounded  boy  who  made  himself  so 
officious  and  was  sent  off  on  suspicions  of  be- 
ing a  spy,  robbed  me  of  it  and  instantly  carried 
it  to  his  master.  Of  course  they  could  do  nothing 
with  the  notes  and  letters,  but  the  portfolio  itself 
served  as  a  means  of  luring  Gerald  into  the  trap. 
Had  the  plot  succeeded  we  should  have  had  one 
brave  comrade  the  less,  and — ah,  there  comes  the 
young  couple  !  See  how  lovely  Frau  von  Steinach 
looks  in  the  full  glare  of  the  sunlight  !  I  stick  to  it, 
Gerald  is  bringing  home  the  best  prize  of  the  whole 
campaign." 

The  other  officers  seemed  to  be  of  the  same  opinion, 
for  when  Gerald  now  approached  with  his  wife,  they 
vied  with  each  other  in  attentions  to  the  latter,  and 
the  young  pair  instantly  became  the  centre  of  the 
circle,  from  which  they  could  not  escape  for  some 
time. 

Meanwhile  George  came  out  of  the  cabin  with 
Jovica,  whom  he  had  succeeded  in  finding,  and  took 
her  to  a  part  of  the  deck  at  some  little  distance  from 
his  companions,  who  made  no  attempt  to  interrupt 


166  DANIRA. 

them,  for  it  was  well  known  that  George  was  very 
sensitive  about  his  protSgee^  and  really  would  not 
hesitate  to  fight  half  the  company  if  he  were  irritated. 
But  just  now  he  looked  as  dignified  as  though  he 
was  Father  Leonhard  himself,  and  his  tone  was 
equally  grave  as  he  began  : 

"  Look  at  your  home  once  more,  Jovica,  you  are 
seeing  it  for  the  last  time  I  True,  this  Krivoscia  is  a 
God-forsaken  country,  and  we  thank  all  the  saints 
that  we  are  safe  out  of  it  again,  but  it  is  your  native 
land,  and  that  must  be  respected." 

Jovica  glanced  toward  the  mountains  because  her 
companion  was  pointing  to  them,  but  she  understood 
very  little  of  his  speech,  and  the  parting  from  her 
home  did  not  appear  to  trouble  her  much,  for  she 
looked  extremely  happy,  though  she  knew  the  ship 
was  bearing  her  to  a  distant  country. 

"Now  we  are  going  to  Tyrol,"  George  continued. 
**  To  the  beautiful  land  of  the  Tyrol,  a  very  different 
place  from  your  mountain  wildernesses.  There  are 
forests,  rivers,  vineyards  and  castles,  and  there's  not 
another  place  in  the  whole  world  equal  to  the  Moos- 
bach  Farm.  Some  day  it  will  belong  to  me.  Do  you 
understand,  Jovica?  I'm  no  poor  vagabond  like 
Bartel,  who,  M^hen  he  takes  off  his  uniform,  must 
enter  somebody's  service.  I'm  the  only  son  and  heir 
of  farmer  Moosbach,  and  in  our  country  that  means 
something." 

Jovica  listened  attentively,  but  her  knowledge  of 
German  was  not  yet  sufficiently  comprehensive  for 
her  to  understand  these  boasted  advantages.    George 


DANIBA.  167 

saw  that  she  did  not  perceive  his  meaning  and  tried 
to  enlarge  her  ideas  by  seizing  both  her  hands  and 
drawing  her  toward  him,  when  Father  Leonhard 
suddenly  emerged  from  the  cabin  and  stood  directly 
behind  the  pair. 

"  What  are  you  doing  on  this  deck  among  the  men, 
Jovica  ?"  he  asked,  with  unwonted  sternness.  "  Your 
place  is  over  yonder  with  Frau  von  Steinach." 

"  Why,  I  was  wdth  her,  your  reverence,  and  none 
of  the  others  would  dare  come  near  her!"  replied 
George,  instantly  taking  up  his  protegSe's  cause. 
"  I  wouldn't  advise  them  to  try  it.  If  any  one  does, 
he'll  go  heels  over  head  into  the  water  the  very  next 
minute." 

Father  Leonhard's  face  showed  that  he  was  not 
particularly  edified  by  this  protection,  but  he  merely 
turned  to  Jovica  and  repeated : 

"  Go  to  Frau  von  Steinach !  "  When  she  had  re- 
tired he  approached  his  parishioner,  who  wore  a  very 
belligerent  expression. 

"  What  does  this  mean,  George  ?  I  have  forbidden 
you,  once  for  all,  to  take  such  familiarities  with  the 
young  girl,  but  you  don't  seem  to  heed  my  com- 
mand.    1  am  very  much  displeased  with  yon." 

"  Well,  your  reverence,  I'm  not  pleased  either !  " 
gaid  George,  defiantly.  "  I  found  Jovica  and  adopted 
her  as  a  child,  but  no  one  respects  my  paternal  rights. 
If  I  even  look  at  the  girl  your  reverence  appears  and 
gives  me  a  lecture,  and  then  the  lieutenant  comes 
and  unceremoniously  takes  her  away  as  his  wife's 
maid.     I'm   not  consulted  at  all.     I   have   nothing 


168  DANIRA. 

^^  luitever  to  say  about  the  matter — I  won't  bear  it 
any  longer." 

"I  liave  already  explained  to  you  several  times 
that  you  are  far  too  young  to  fill  such  a  position. 
Things  can't  go  on  in  this  way." 

"  You  are  perfectl}^  right,  there,  your  reverence  !  " 
assented  tlie  young  Tyrolese,  so  emphatically  that 
the  priest  looked  at  him  in  surprise.  "  I  have  longed 
seen  that,  and  was  just  going  to  speak  to  you  about 
it.  The  place  of  a  father  doesn't  suit  me,  I  find  no 
pleasure  in  it,  so  I'll  begin  the  business  from  the 
other  end.     In  short,  I  will  marry  Jovica." 

Father  Leonhard  did  not  look  much  astonished  by 
this  declaration  which  he  had  long  dreaded,  but  a 
frown  darkened  his  brow  and  his  voice  sounded  very 
grave : 

"  You  will  do  nothing  of  the  sort !  The  girl  is 
scarcely  beyond  childhood,  and — not  at  all — why, 
you  can't  even  understand  each  other  yet." 

"No,  we  don't  understand  each  other,  but  we're 
tremendously  in  love  with  each  other,"  said  George, 
earnestly,  "  so  the  best  thing  we  can  do  is  to  get 
married." 

"  And  your  parents !  Have  you  thought  what  they 
will  say  to  such  a  choice  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  parents  I  Of  course  they'll  make  a 
row  that  can  be  hoard  all  over  Tyrol,  so  I'll  follow 
Herr  Gerald  s  example  and  get  married  on  the  way. 
We  shall  stay  a  week  in  Trieste,  your  reverence,  you 
can  unite  us  there.  Of  course  you  must  first  baptize 
my  future  wife,  for  she  can't  remain  a  pagan,  and 


DANIRA.  169 

x/ien  many  lier  directly  after.  So,  when  I  get  home 
the  whole  affair  will  be  settled,  and  let  my  parents 
and  the  Moosbach  Farm  be  as  much  upset  as  they 
please,  I  shall  have  Jovica  !  " 

The  plan  flowed  so  glibly  from  the  lips  of  the 
young  Tyrolese  that  it  was  evident  he  had  pondered 
over  it  a  long  time,  but  unluckily  Father  Leonliard 
did  not  seem  inclined  to  adopt  this  admirable  sug- 
gestion, for  he  answered  sternly : 

"  Put  this  nonsense  out  of  your  head  ;  it  can't  be 
thought  of  under  any  circumstances." 

"  I'm  only  following  my  lieutenant's  example,'' 
George  persisted.  "  Heaven  and  earth  were  moved 
to  prevent  his  marriage  ;  his  mother  and  Colonel  Ar- 
low,  the  brother-in-law  and  the  whole  people  of 
Krivoscia  cried  out  against  it.  He  didn't  miud  it  in 
the  least,  but  had  liis  own  way,  and  I  mean  to  do  the 
same." 

"  But  Herr  von  Steinach's  case  is  entirely  different. 
He  has  been  of  age  several  years,  and  besides,  before 
taking  the  decisive  step,  he  made  every  effort  in  his 
power  to  obtain  his  mother's  consent.  It  was  hard 
enough  for  me  to  bless  a  marriage  which  lacked  the 
mother's  benediction,  and  I  finally  yielded  only  to 
the  force  of  circumstances.  Stephan  Hersovac's  oppo- 
sition to  the  marriage  rendered  it  impossible  for  his 
sister  to  remain  longer  in  his  house,  and  it  was 
equally  impossible  for  lier  to  accompany  lier  lover  as 
his  affianced  wife.  So  I  performed  the  wedding 
ceremony  in  the  hope  that  I  should  yet  succeed  in 
reconciling  the  mother.     But  you  cannot  yet  marry 


170  DANIRA. 

without  your  parents'  consent  and  you  know  as  well 
as  I  do  that  you  will  never  obtain  it.  They  will 
simply  believe  that  you  are  out  of  your  senses." 

"  Yes,  I  once  thouglit  so  myself,"  replied  George 
with  the  utmost  composure,  "•  but  people  change  their 
minds.  I  told  you,  your  reverence,  that  the  whole 
race  up  yonder  practice  witchcraft,  especially  the 
women.  Dani — the  j'oung  baroness,  I  mean — tried  it 
on  my  lieutenant,  and  Jovica  has  used  hers  on  me ; 
I'm  just  as  far  gone  as  he  is.  But  this  witchcraft  isn't 
at  all  disagreeable  and  does  not  imperil  the  salva- 
tion of  the  soul,  if  a  priest  gives  it  his  blessing  as  I 
saw  yesterday  in  church." 

"  But  I  repeat  that  the  case  is  totally  different. 
Gerald's  wife  belongs  to  a  foreign  people,  it  is  true, 
but  she  is  descended  from  one  of  the  most  distin- 
guished families  of  the  race,  and  the  education  she 
received  in  the  commandant's  house,  with  her  own 
personal  qualities,  fit  her  for  the  position  in  life  she 
will  henceforth  occup3\  Jovica  is  the  child  of  poor 
shepherds,  she  is  not  even  a  Christian,  understands 
neither  our  language  nor  customs,  and  perhaps  will 
never  learn  to  accommodate  herself  to  them.  You 
must  see  yourself  that  such  a  girl  can  never  make  a 
suitable  mistress  of  the  Moosbach  Farm." 

"  I  see  nothing  at  all  except  that  I  must  have 
Jovica.  Notliing  else  will  do,  and  I'll  get  her  too, 
so  I  have  no  anxiety  on  that  score." 

"  And  suppose  your  parents  disinherit  the  disobe- 
dient son?  Gerald  von  Steinach,  under  any  circum- 
stances, is   the  heir  of  his  father's  property,  and   has 


DANIRA.  171 

already  taken  possession  of  it,  but  farmer  Moosbach 
can  deprive  you  of  the  farm  at  any  time,  and  from 
what  I  know  of  him  he  will  do  so  if  you  persist  in 
your  own  way.     What  then  ?  " 

"  Then  I'll  let  the  farm  go  to  the  deuce  ! "  George 
obstinately  declared.  "•  Jovica  is  worth  more  to  me 
than  all  the  Moosbach  property.  The  lieutenant 
will  not  object  to  keei:)ing  me  with  him,  I  know,  and 
his  wife  will  have  a  countrywoman  in  mine.  I'm  in 
earnest,  your  reverence.  I'll  give  up  my  inheritance 
if  it  costs  me  Jovica." 

Father  Leonhard  saw  that  lie  was  in  earnest,  and 
knew  the  young  fellow's  obstinacy  sufficiently  well 
to  dread  a  serious  family  quarrel.  For  the  present, 
however,  the  conversation  was  interrupted  by  an 
officer,  who  approached  the  priest  and  requested  him 
to  accompanj'-  him  to  the  forward  deck. 

Father  Leonhard  consented,  after  saying  gravely 
to  George :  "  We  will  discuss  this  matter  further," 
but  the  latter  leaned  defiantly  against  the  side  of  the 
cabin,  folded  his  arms,  and  gazed  around  the  decks  to 
discover-  Jovica. 

The  young  Slav  was  with  Danira,  who,  after  some 
time,  sent  her  down  to  the  cabin  again  on  some 
errand.  She  obediently  avoided  the  stern  of  the 
ship  and  sorrowfully  descended  the  stairs,  but  had 
scarcely  entered  the  saloon,  which  for  the  moment 
chanced  to  be  empty,  when  there  was  a  clattering  noise 
on  the  steps  and  George  himself  stood  in  the  doorway. 

Jovica's  whole  face  brightened,  but  she  glanced 
anxiously  toward  the  stairs,  and  said  timidly : 


172  DANIBA. 

"  Father  Leonliard  !  " 

"  He's  up  on  deck,"  repL'ed  George.  "  Yet  even  if 
he  should  come,  no  matter:  I've  just  told  him  how 
we  both  feel,  but  I  happened  to  think  that  I  haven't 
spoken  of  it  to  you,  Jovica.  You  must  be  asked,  so 
— I  want  to  marry  you !     Will  you  have  me  ?  " 

The  abrupt,  laconic  proposal  met  with  an  unex- 
pected obstacle.  Jovica  had  no  idea  what  the  strange 
word  meant.  She  repeated  it  with  a  foreign  accent, 
but  in  a  tone  that  plainly  showed  she  associated  no 
meaning  with  it. 

"  Oh,  yes,  she  doesn't  understand,"  said  George, 
somewhat  perplexed,  realizing  for  the  fust  time  his 
future  wife's  education.  "■  Well,  then,  she  must 
learn.  Come  here,  Jovica,  and  listen  to  me.  Yester- 
day we  went  to  church  and  saw  the  lieutenant  and 
his  bride  married.  "VVe  will  go  to  church,  too,  and 
Father  Leonhard  will  marry  us  in  the  same  way. 
Do  you  understand  that  ?  " 

He  tried  to  speak  distinctly,  and  occasionally  in- 
troduced a  Slavonic  word,  which  had  some  success, 
for  the  young  girl  nodded  eagerly  and  ansVvered  in 
broken  German: 

"  I  know — baptize — become  a  Christian." 

"Yes,  and  then  directly  after — marry!"  said 
George,  emphasizing  tlie  word  energetically,  as  if  he 
hoped  in  this  way  to  make  her  understand  its  mean- 
ing, but  Jovica's  knowledge  of  the  language  had  not 
yet  extended  to  the  idea  of  marriage,  and  she  only 
repeated  incpiiringl}' : 

"  Become  a  Christian?  " 


DANIRA.  173 

"  That's  only  a  minor  affair,  tlie  main  thing  is  the 
marriage ! "  cried  the  impatient  suitor,  wliose  piety 
deserted  him  on  this  point.  "  Girl,  for  heaven's  sake, 
you  must  understand  !  why,  it's  what  you  were  born 
for !     Marry — have  a  wedding — get  married  !  " 

But  no  matter  how  vehemently  and  almost  angrily 
he  emphasized  the  words,  it  was  all  in  vain,  the 
young  girl  looked  helplessly  at  him,  and  was  appar- 
ently on  the  verge  of  tears. 

"  She  really  doesn't  understand,"  said  George,  in 
sheer  despair.  "  I  must  make  it  plainer  to  her,"  and 
as  though  an  inspiration  had  suddenly  come  he  em- 
braced his  protegee,  pressing  a  hearty  kiss  on  her  lips. 

Strangely  enough  his  meaning  now  seemed  to 
dawn  on  Jovica.  True,  she  started  at  the  kiss,  but 
instead  of  making  the  slightest  resistance  she  nestled 
closer  to  the  young  soldier,  gazing  at  him  with 
sparkling  eyes,  while  in  a  low,  but  infinitely  sweet 
tone,  she  repeated  the  word  George  had  taught  her 
with  so  much  difficulty. 

"  Thank  Heaven,  she  has  understood  it  at  last ;  I 
ought  to  have  tried  that  first !  "  he  said,  with  great 
satisfaction,  and  while  repeating  several  times  the 
new  method  of  instruction  which  had  succeeded  so 
admirably,  added,  by  way  of  explanation : 

"  That's  the  way  people  do  when  they  marry,  and 
before,  too.  The  only  difference  is  that  before  a 
priest  interferes  and  forbids,  and  afterwards  he  has 
nothing  to  forbid,  but  gives  it  his  blessing.  Now 
come  to  the  lieutenant  and  his  wife.  They  must  be 
the  first  to  know  that  we  have  settled  the  matter  and 


174  DAN  IRA. 

are  going  to  be  married.  Jovica — say  the  word  once 
more  !  It  sounds  so  pretty  when  you  bring  it  out  so 
clumsily." 

And  Jovica,  whose  faculty  of  comprehension  had 
wonderfully  increased,  uttered  the  newly-learned 
word  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  her  tutor  and  future 
husband. 

Meantime  the  steamer  had  continued  her  course, 
and  was  now  approaching  the  outlet  of  the  bay. 
Gerald  and  Danira  looked  back  at  the  slowly  disap- 
pearing scene. 

The  waves  rippled  and  flashed  in  the  sunlight. 
Far  away  on  the  shore  lay  Cattaro  witli  its  white 
houses  and  towering  citadel,  and  directly  above  it 
towered  the  dark  mountains,  their  rugged,  riven 
peaks  bathed  in  the  full  radiance  of  morning.  Tlie 
sliip  now  i)assed  through  the  straits  at  the  end 
of  the  liarbor.  The  gloomy,  tln^eatening  cliffs 
rose  on  either  side  as  if  to  bar  the  way.  Then  the 
blue,  heaving  sea  opened  before  them,  as  it  had 
looked  from  the  rocky  height  on  that  memorable 
day — a  mist-veiled,  sun-illumined  waste  of  waters 


DANIRA.  175 


IX. 

The  voyage  liad  been  a  swift  and  pleasant  one, 
and  after  a  short  stay  in  Trieste  the  train  conveyed 
the  regiment  to  its  native  mountains  and  former  gar- 
rison, the  capital  of  southern  Tyrol. 

The  city  was  all  astir,  for  every  one  had  liurried  to 
welcome  the  returning  soldiers  who  had  endured  so 
many  a  hard  fight  on  the  farthest  frontier  of  the 
empire,  and  now,  after  dangers  and  privations  of 
every  kind,  were  coDiing  home  in  peace. 

At  the  railway  station  and  immediately  around  it 
a  joyous  throng  waited  for  the  train  ;  the  country 
j)eople  especially  had  flocked  there  in  crowds.  There 
was  scarcely  a  peasant  family  in  the  neighborhood 
that  did  not  have  son,  brother  or  some  other  relative 
in  the  Imperial  Chasseurs  to  whom  they  now  wished 
to  give  the  first  welcome  home. 

At  last  the  thunder  of  cannon  far  and  near  among 
the  mountains  announced  the  approach  of  the  train, 
which,  amid  loud  cheers  and  waving  banners,  ran 
into  the  station.  The  cars  were  opened  and  the 
whole  regiment  poured  out  upon  the  platform,  to 
which  only  the  magistrates  and  a  few  of  the  most 
distinguished  citizens  had  been  admitted. 


176  DAN  IRA. 

After  the  first  flood  of  official  and  friendly  greet- 
ings was  over,  Gerald  von  Steinacli,  who  had  his 
young  wife  leaning  on  his  arm,  attempted  to  make 
his  way  through  the  throng,  lie  too  had  seen  many 
a  familiar  face,  pressed  many  a  hand,  and  received 
numerous  congratulations,  for  through  his  comrades' 
letters  his  marriage  was  already  known  in  the  gar- 
rison ;  but  they  were  only  the  greetings  of  strangers. 

The  arms  which  at  his  departure  had  clasped  him 
with  such  anxious  love  were  not  outstretched  to  him 
on  his  return;  no  mother  waited  to  welcome  him 
home,  and  yet  his  whole  heart  was  devoted  to  his 
mother  and  hitherto  he  had  been  her  all. 

In  this  hour  of  universal  joyous  meeting  the  young 
officer  felt,  with  infinite  grief,  what  he  had  lost.  The 
parental  home,  which  now  opened  to  every  one,  was 
closed  to  him  and  his  young  wife,  and  perhaps  would 
remain  so  forever.  Much  as  he  strove  to  conceal  his 
depression  he  could  not  entirely  banish  the  cloud  that 
rested  on  his  brow,  and  Danira  guessed  wliat  he  was 
missing ;  she  best  knew  what  his  choice  of  a  wife  had 
cost  hira.  She  instantly  assented  when  he  proposed 
withdrawing  from  the  crowd  as  soon  as  possible  and 
driving  to  his  lodgings  in  the  city,  where  the  young 
couple  intended  to  remain  until  the  arrangements  for 
the  future  home  had  been  made. 

Behind  them  walked  Jovica,  who  had  travelled  in 
the  same  compartment,  and  George,  who,  though 
obliged  to  ride  with  his  comrades,  had  shot  through 
the  crowd  like  a  rocket  as  soon  as  he  arrived,  to  take 
the  place  he  considered  his  rightful  property. 


BANIRA.  177 

The  young  Slav  now  wore  the  Tyrolese  peasant 
costume,  which  had  been  obtained  for  her  on  the  way, 
and  in  which  she  looked  extremely  pretty.  Her 
shining  black  hair  was  carefully  arranged  in  braids, 
and  her  large  black  eyes  gazed  curiously  and  joy- 
ously at  the  throng.  But  her  appearance  was  still  ex- 
tremely childish  and  entirely  foreign  ;  one  could  see 
at  the  first  glance  that  she  belonged  to  a  different 
race. 

George  walked  with  great  importance  by  her  side. 
He  had  not  entrusted  his  love  affair  to  his  lieutenant 
in  vain,  the  latter's  advocacy  proved  very  effective. 
Gerald  and  Danira  had  warmly  espoused  his  cause, 
and,  during  the  journey,  even  won  over  Father  Leon- 
hard. 

The  priest,  it  is  true,  had  no  objection  to  Jovica 
personally  ;  he  had  himself  become  fond  of  his  gentle, 
modest,  docile  pupil ;  but  he  still  shook  his  head 
doubtfully  at  the  idea  of  seeing  the  "  little  pagan  " 
the  mistress  of  the  Moosbach  Farm,  and  declared  it 
to  be  impossible  to  obtain  the  consent  of  George's 
parents,  though  he  liad  promised  his  mediation. 

For  the  present  the  priest's  attention  was  claimed 
by  some  ecclesiastical  brothers  who  had  also  been 
present  at  the  reception  of  the  regiment  in  the 
station. 

Gerald  had  just  escaped  from  the  throng,  and  was 
walking  with  Danira  toward  the  door,  when  both 
stopped  as  though  rooted  to  the  floor  at  the  sight  of  the 
young  lady  who^-as  waiting  there  to  meet  them.  The 
daintv,  cjraceful  figure  in  the  elegant  travelling  dress. 


178  DAN  IRA. 

the  fair  hair  whose  curls  escaped  from  beneath  the 
little  hat,  the  sparkling  blue  eyes — the  whole' vision 
was  so  familiar  and  so  dear.  Gerald  dropped  the 
arm  of  his  wife,  who  stood  pale  and  speechless.  He 
intended  to  face  the  painful  meeting  alone,  but  tlie 
young  girl  had  already  rushed  to  Danira  and  flung 
both  arms  round  her  neck. 

"  Danira,  you  naughty  runaway  !  So  I  am  to  find 
you  again  in  the  Tyrol." 

"  Edith,  how  came  you  here  ?"  cried  the  young 
wife,  in  half-joyous,  half-startled  tones.  "  Is  it  an 
accident  ?  " 

"  Oh !  no.  I  came  especially  to  receive  you.  I 
wanted  to  bring  you  the  first  greeting,"  replied  Edith. 
She  hesitated  a  few  seconds,  then  hastily  turned  and 
held  out  her  hand  to  her  former  lover.  "  How  do 
you  do,  Gerald  ?    Welcome  home  with  your  wife  !  " 

Gerald  bowed  silently  over  the  little  hand  that  lay 
in  his.  He  did  not  feel  its  slight  quiver  when  his 
lips  pressed  it.  He  only  saw  Edith's  blooming  face, 
her  smile,  and  a  deep  sigh  of  relief  escaped  liim. 
Thank  God  I  Here  at  least  he  had  caused  no  suf- 
fering as  he  had  feared  ;  here  at  least  forgiveness 
was  prcjffered. 

"  Did  you  really  come  on  our  account  ? "  cried 
Danira,  with  eager  joy.  "  Oh,  you  do  not  suspect 
what  this  welcome  from  your  lips  is  to  me — to  us 
both." 

The  young  lady  drew  back  a  step,  with  a  comic 
assumption  of  formality. 

"  Don't  be  so  impetuous,  madame  !  I  have  another 


DANlTtA.  179 

important  mission  to  discharge,  and  must  maintain 
my  dignity  as  official  ambassador.  Castle  Steiuacli 
sends  a  greeting  to  its  young  master  and  mit^tress, 
and  is  ready  to  receive  them.  They  will  find  open 
hearts  and  arms  there.  Here  is  a  letter  from  your 
mother,  Gerald  ;  only  a  few  lines,  in  which  she  calls 
her  son  and  daughter  to  her." 

"  Edith — this  is  impossible — is  it  your  work  ?  " 
cried  Gerald,  still  doubting  as  he  took  the  note  which 
bore  his  mother's  handwriting 

"  My  first  essay  in  diplomacy  !  I  think  it  hasn't 
resulted  so  badly,  and  it  wasn't  very  easy  either ;  for 
both  aunt  and  papa  were  united  against  me.  But 
now  you  must  let  me  have  Danira  to  mj-self  for  half 
an  hour,  Gerald.  We  must  part  again  immediately, 
and  I  want  to  have  her  alone  at  least  once  more." 

"  Part !     Wh}^  surely  3-ou  will  go  with  us  ?  " 

"  No,  I  slipJl  take  the  next  express  train  and  join 
my  father  in  G.  But  your  mother  expects  you  at 
Steinach  this  very  day,  and  you  ought  not  to  keep 
her  waiting ;  great  preparations  have  been  made  for 
your  reception." 

Meanwhile  Gerald  had  hastily  torn  open  and 
glanced  through  the  letter,  which  he  now  handed  to 
his  wife.  It  really  contained  only  a  few  lines,  but 
they  confirmed  Edith's  words.  It  was  the  greeting 
of  a  mother  calling  her  children  to  her. 

"  How  do  you  do,  Fraiilein  ?  I'm  here  again,  too  ! " 
said  George,  taking  advantage  of  tlie  momentary 
pause  to  introduce  himself,  and  he  saw  with  satisfac- 
tion that  he  was  not  forgotten. 


180  DANIRA. 

The  old  mischievous  smile  hovered  round  the 
young  lady's  lips  as  she  turned  toward  liiiu. 

"  George  Moosbach !  Have  you  got  safe  back 
from  Krivoscia  ?  After  all  it  isn't  quite  so  bad  as 
you  represented  it,  for  I  see  you  wear  the  medal  for 
courage.  Listen,  George,  you  make  a  great  impres- 
sion upon  me  as  a  returning  conqueror !  What  of 
the  offer  with  which  you  once  honored  me  ?  I  am 
now  free  again,  and  should  not  be  wholly  disinclined 
to  become  the  mistress  of  the  Moosbach  Farm." 

"I  thank  you  very  kindly,"  stammered  George, 
intensely  confused.  "  I'm  very  sorry,  but — I'm 
already  engaged." 

With  these  words  he  pulled  Jovica  forward  and 
presented  her ;  but  Edith  now  burst  into  a  merry 
laugh. 

"Another  Krivoscian?  For  Heaven's  sake,  did 
all  the  Imperial  Cliasseurs  get  betrothed  and  married 
there  ?  There  will  be  a  rebellion  among  the  Tyrol- 
ese  girls.  I  think  you  are  very  inconsistent,  George. 
You  protested  that  daj',  by  everything  3'ou  held  dear, 
that  you  would  marry  nobody  but  a  Tyrolese,  and 
made  the  sign  of  the  cross  as  if  3-ou  saw  Satan  him- 
self when  I  suggested  the  daughters  of  that  country, 
whom  you  preferred  to  dub  'savages.'  " 

"  Fraiilein,"  replied  George,  solemnly,  "  there  is 
nothing,  not  even  in  this  world,  so  bad  that  it  has  not 
one  good  thing.  The  only  good  thing  Krivoscia  had 
was  Jovica — and  that  I  brought  away  with  me." 

"  Well,  I  wish  you  and  your  Jovica  every  possible 
happiness.     But   now   come,    Danira,  that    we    may 


DANIRA.  181 

have  g,t  least  half  an  hour's  chat.  Gerald  must  give 
you  up  for  that  time.  Come,  we  shall  not  be  inter- 
rupted in  the  waiting-room  to-day." 

She  drew  Danira  away,  while  Gerald,  who  saw 
Father  Leonhard  coming  hastil}^  went  to  him  to  tell 
him  his  unexpected  and  joyful  news. 

The  little  waiting-room  was,  in  truth,  perfectly 
empty ;  every  one  was  pressing  toward  the  door  of 
the  station. 

The  two  young  ladies  sat  close  together.  Edith 
had  put  her  arm  around  her  adopted  sister  in  the  old 
familiar  way,  and  was  laughing  and  chatting  contin- 
uously ;  but  Danira  could  not  be  so  easily  deceived 
in  this  respect  as  Gerald. 

She  herself  loved,  and  knew  that  a  love  which  had 
once  taken  root  in  tlie  heart  cannot  be  so  speedily 
forgotten.  She  said  little,  but  her  eyes  rested  stead- 
ily on  Edith's  features. 

The  pretty  face  still  seemed  unchanged  in  bloom 
and  brightness,  but  it  was  only  seeming.  Around 
the  little  mouth  was  an  expression  all  its  smiles  were 
powerless  to  banish  ;  an  expression  that  told  of  secret 
sorrow  ;  and  any  one  gazing  deep  into  the  blue  eyes 
could  see  the  shadow  in  them.  The  vivacious  gaiety 
still  remained,  but  it  was  no  longer  the  mirth  of  a  glad 
careless  child  who  had  known  no  grief.  In  the  midst 
of  all  the  jesting  there  sometimes  echoed  a  tone 
which  sounded  as  if  the  speaker  were  striving  to 
repress  tears. 

At  such  a  moment  Danira  suddenly  clasped  both 
the  young  girl's  hands  and  said  softly  : 


182  BANIEA. 

"  Cease  jesting,  Edith.  I  have  caused  you  pain. 
I  couklnot  help  doing  so;  but,  believe  uie,  I  have 
myself  suffered  most.  I  felt  so  deeply  wounded  when 
you  sent  me  no  answer. 

"  Are  you  angry  about  it?     I  could  not " 

"  No,  you  could  not  answer  then — I  ought  to  have 
understood." 

A  burning  blush  suddenly  crimsoned  Edith's  face, 
and  she  tried  to  avoid  the  gaze  whose  secret  scrutiny 
she  felt. 

"  At  first  papa  would  not  allow  it,"  she  said  hast- 
ily. "  He  wanted  to  forbid  my  writing  to  3-0U  at  all 
and  I  yielded  ;  but  before  we  left  Cattarol  vA'as  firm- 
ly resolved  to  bring  you  the  ansv»^er  in  this  form. 
True,  my  courage  fell  when  we  accepted  Baroness 
von  Steinach's  pressing  invitation  to  spend  a  few  days 
with  her,  for  matters  looked  very  badly  at  the  castle. 
Gerald  was  under  a  ban,  and  you,  too.  No  one  was 
permitted  to  mention  your  names,  and  papa  fanned 
the  fire.  So  long  as  he  remained  I  could  do  nothing, 
but  I  managed  to  have  him  go  to  his  garrison  alone 
and  leave  me  behind.'' 

"  And  then  you  interceded  for  us  ?  " 

"  Fairly  intrigued,  according  to  the  very  best  rules 
of  diplomacy.  I  was  m^-self  amazed  at  the  talent  I 
suddenly  developed.  The  baroness  tried  to  console 
me  for  my  lost  lover,  but  I  turned  the  tables  by  ener- 
getically taking  her  to  task  for  her  hard-heartedness. 
I  tried  to  put  the  affair  in  the  right  light  by  making 
her  consider  that  you  are  really  a  Krivoscian  prin- 
cess." 


DANIBA.  l83 

« Oh,  Edith!" 

"  Well,  isn't  it  true  ?  Your  father  was  chief  of  his 
tribe,  your  brother  is  its  head  now.  Chief,  prince,- 
king — it  all  comes  to  the  same  thing  in  the  end.  I 
made  this  clear  to  tlie  baroness,  and  would  have  traced 
your  lineage  back  to  Mahomet — oh  dear,  no,  that 
wouldn't  do,  you  are  a  Christian — or  to  Saint  George 
himself.  I  told  her  so  much  about  your  father's 
heroic  deeds  that  she  became  filled  with  reverence, 
and  then  I  gave  her  j^our  letter  to  me  and  made  her 
admire  your  own  courage  and  Gerald's  rescue  at  the 
Vila  spring.  That  shook  the  fortress,  and  when  I 
stormed  it  with  an  appeal  to  her  maternal  love  and 
Gerald's  letters  were  produced  again,  it  yielded. 
You  see  I  am  not  a  degenerate  daughter  of  my  father ; 
my  first  campaign  ended  with  victory  along  the  whole 
line." 

The  young  wife  sat  silently  with  down-cast  eyes. 
She  felt  the  generosity  of  this  conduct  and  at  the 
same  time  realized  how  greatly  she  had  formerly  un- 
dervalued Edith. 

"  And  I  must  not  even  thank  you !  "  she  said  with 
passionate  fervor.  "  You  want  to  escape  our  grati- 
tude and  leave  us  this  very  hour.     Must  it  be  ?  " 

"  I  must  go  to  papa,  who  expects  me.  Don't  pre- 
vent me,  Danira,  I — cannot  stay." 

She  tried  to  smile  again,  but  this  time  she  did  not 
succeed,  her  lips  only  quivered  and  she  was  obliged 
to  turn  away  to  force  back  the  rising  tears.  Then  she 
felt  Danira's  arms  clasp  her,  and  her  lips  pressed  to 
hers- 


184  DANIRA. 

"  Edith,  don't  try  to  deceive  me  like  the  others.  I 
know  what  your  brave  championship  of  our  liappiness 
has  cost  you,  and  how  you  have  suffered.  You  may 
surely  confess  it  to  me." 

Edith  did  not  contradict  her.  She  only  hid  her  face 
on  Danira's  shoulder,  but  how  the  tears  streamed 
from  her  eyes  ! 

"  It  was  nothing  "  she  sobbed.  "  A  child's  fooUsh 
dream — nothing  more.  Don't  tell  Gerald  I  have  been 
crying — promise  to  say  nothing  to  him — he  ought 
not,  must  not  know." 

"  Be  calm,  he  shall  learn  nothing.  It  is  enough 
for  me  to  endure  the  grief  of  having  robbed  you  of 
your  happiness." 

"  No ! "  Edith's  tears  suddenly  ceased  as  she 
started  up.  "  No,  Danira,  I  should  not  have  been 
happy  with  him.  I  felt  from  the  first  moment  that 
he  did  not  love  me,  and  knew  it  the  instant  he  flamed 
into  sucli  passionate  defence  of  you.  He  never  had 
that  look  and  tone  for  me  ;  you  first  taught  them  to 
him.  Is  it  not  true  that  he  can  love  ardently  and 
make  his  wife  infinitely  happy?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  Danira,  softly,  but  the  one  word 
told  enough. 

Edith  turned  hastily  away  toward  the  window. 

"  There  is  the  signal  for  the  train  !  We  have  only 
a  few  minutes  ;  let  us  bid  each  otlier  farewell  I 
Don't  look  so  mournful,  Danira,  and  don't  grieve 
about  me.  I  Iiavc  no  intention  of  going  into  a  con- 
vent or  sorrowing  all  my  life.  It  must  be  delightful 
to  devote  yourself  heart  and  soul  to  the  man  of  your 


DANIRA.  185 

choice,  but  that  destiny  isn't  allotted  to  everybody. 
It  can't  be  done,  as  George  says." 

Just  at  that  moment  Gerald  entered  to  tell  them 
that  the  train  was  coming.  He  saw  a  bright  face 
and  heard  only  gay,  cordial  parting  words.  A  few 
minutes  after,  Edith  was  seated  in  the  car,  nodding 
one  more  farewell  through  the  window ;  then  the 
train  rolled  on  again  and  instantly  disappeared  from 
the  gaze  of  those  left  behind. 

George  had  quitted  the  station  with  Jovica  to  take 
her  to  his  lieutenant's  lodgings,  where  she  was  to 
wait  for  Danira. 

There  was  an  immense  throng  in  the  great  open 
square  outside.  All  the  country  people  had  flocked 
thither,  each  one  trying  to  find  his  or  her  relatives 
among  the  returning  soldiers.  Everywhere  were 
joyous  meetings,  shouts  of  delight,  clasping  of  hands, 
and  embracing,  and  whoever  got  into  the  midst  of 
the  residents  of  his  native  village,  who  usually  went 
in  troops,  was  almost  stifled  with  tokens  of  friend- 
ship. 

George  had  hitherto  escaped  this  fate,  but  now  a 
portly  farmer  and  his  equally  corpulent  wife,  worked 
their  way  through  the  throng  straight  toward  him, 
shoutino"  his  name  while  still  a  long  distance  off. 

"  By  all  the  saints  !  there  are  my  parents  1"  cried 
the  young  Tyrolese,  joyously.  "  Did  you  really  take 
the  long  journey  here  ?  Yes,  here  I  am,  alive  and 
kicking,  and  have  brought  my  whole  head  back  with 
me  !  That's  saying  something,  when  a  fellow  returns 
from  Krivoscia." 


186  DANIRA. 

The  farmer  and  his  wife  instantly  seized  upon  their 
son  and  wanted  him  to  walk  between  them,  but 
Jovica,  who,  during  the  exchange  of  greetings,  had 
remained  behind  him,  now  suddenly  appeared.  She 
had  been  frightened  by  the  noise  and  crowd  that 
surrounded  her  on  all  sides,  and  when  she  saw  that 
her  George  was  to  be  taken  away  she  clung  to  his 
arm,  beseeching  him  in  the  Slavonic  tongue  not  to 
leave  her. 

The  parents  looked  greatly  surprised  at  the  sudden 
appearance  of  the  young  girl  who  clung  so  confid- 
ingly to  their  son.  Luckily  Jovica's  extremely 
childish  figure  prevented  them  from  suspecting  the 
real  relation  between  the  pair. 

Yet  the  farmer  frowned,  and  his  wife  said  slowly : 
"  What  does  this  mean  ?  " 

"This  means — this  is  what  I've  brought  back  from 
my  journey,"  replied  George,  who  saw  a  storm  rising 
which  he  wished  for  the  present  to  avoid.  Yet  he 
did  not  release  "  what  he  had  brought,"  but  held  her 
firmly  by  the  hand. 

"  What  does  this  mean  ?  How  came  you  by  the 
child  ?  "  cried  the  farmer  angrily,  and  his  wife  sharply 
added : 

"  The  girl  looks  like  a  gipsy !  Where  did  youpick 
her  up !     Out  with  the  whole  story." 

Jovica,  who  during  the  journey  had  greatly  en- 
larged her  knowledge  of  the  language,  understood 
that  the  people  before  her  were  George's  parents,  but 
she  also  perceived  tlieir  unkind  loception.  Tears 
filled  her  dark  eyes,  and  she  timidly  repeated  the 


DANIRA.  187 

words  of  greeting  she  had  been  taught  "  How  do  you 
do  ?  "  But  the  foreign  accent  completely  enraged 
the  mother. 

"  She  can't  even  speak  German,"  she  cried  furi- 
ously. "  That's  a  pretty  thing !  Do  you  mean  to 
bring  her  to  us  at  the  Moosbach  Farm  ?  " 

"  I  won't  have  it !  "  said  the  farmer  emphatically. 
"  We  want  no  foreign  gipsies  in  the  house.  Let  the 
g'irl  go,  and  come  with  us  ;  we're  going  home." 

But  George  was  not  the  man  to  leave  his  Jovica  in 
the  lurch.  He  only  drew  her  closer  to  his  side  and 
answered  with  resolute  defiance : 

"  Where  the  girl  stays  I  shall  stay,  and  if  she  can- 
not come  to  the  farm  111  never  return  home.  You 
must  not  scold  me  about  Jovica,  my  dear  parents,  for, 
to  tell  the  truth,  I  have  chosen  her  for  my  wife." 

His  parents  stood  as  if  they  had  been  struck  by  a 
thunderbolt,  staring  at  their  son  as  though  they 
thought  people  might  lose  not  only  their  heads  but 
their  wits  in  Krivoscia.  Then  a  storm  burst  forth  on 
both  sides ;  it  was  fortunate  that,  in  the  general  re- 
joicing, each  person  was  absorbed  in  his  own  friends, 
and  everybody  was  shouting  and  talking  as  loud  in 
delight  as  Farmer  Moosbach  and  his  wife  in  their 
wrath,  or  there  would  have  been  a  great  excitement. 

At  last  George,  by  dint  of  his  powerful  lungs,  suc- 
ceeded in  obtaining  a  hearing. 

"  Give  me  a  chance  to  speak  for  once  !  "  he  cried. 
"You  don't  know  Jovica  at  all;  she's  a  splendid  girl, 
and  even  if  she  is  still  a  pagan — " 

He  went  no  further.    The  thoughtless  fellow  had 


188  DANIRA. 

used  the  worst  possible  expedient.  His  mother  fairly 
shrieked  aloud  in  horror  at  the  fatal  word,  and  the 
farmer  crossed  himself  in  the  face  of  his  future 
d  aughter-in-law. 

"  A  pagan  !  Heaven  help  us  !  He  wants  to  bring 
a  pagan  into  the  house.  George,  you  are  possessed 
by  the  devil !  " 

Jovica  was  trembling  from  nead  to  foot.  She  saw 
only  too  plainly  that  she  was  the  object  of  this  aver- 
sion and  began  to  weep  bitterly,  which  destroyed  the 
last  remnant  of  George's  patience. 

"My  dear  parents,"  he  shouted,  with  a  furious 
gesture,  as  if  he  longed  to  knock  the  "  dear  parents" 
down,  "  I've  always  been  an  obedient  son,  but  if  you 
receive  my  future  wife  so,  may  a  million — " 

"  George  !  "  cried  Jovica,  anxiously  seizing  his  up- 
lifted arm  with  both  hands.     "  George  !  " 

"  Yes,  indeed — with  all  filial  respect  of  course," 
growled  George,  instantly  controlling  himself  when 
he  heard  her  voice  ;  but  his  parents  were  not  soothed, 
and  the  quariel  was  just  kindling  anew  when  Father 
Leonhard  appeared,  the  crowd  reverently  making 
way  for  him.  He  hurriedly  answered  the  joyous 
greetings  proffered  to  him  on  all  sides,  and  walked 
hastily  up  to  the  disputing  family ;  for  he  saw  that 
his  presence  was  most  needed  tliere. 

"  God  be  with  you.  Farmer  Moosbach,"  he  said. 
"  You  and  your  wife  are  doubtless  rejoicing  to  have 
your  son  back  again.  He  has  done  well  and  fought 
bravely  in  the  campaign,  as  you  see  by  the  medal  on 
his  breast." 


DANIRA.  189 

"  Help  us,  your  reverence ! "  said  the  mother 
piteously.  "  Our  boy  is  bewitched.  He  has  brought 
home  a  pagan,  a  Turk,  a  witch,  and  wants  to  marry 
her." 

"  Look  at  the  brown-skinned  creature  yonder,  your 
reverence,"  the  farmer  chimed  in  with  a  wrathful 
laugh.  "  That's  the  future  mistress  of  the  Moosbach 
Farm.  Say  yourself  whether  George  hasn't  lost  Ms 
senses.     That  is — " 

"  My  pupil,  to  whom  I  taught  the  Christian  relig- 
ion, and  who  in  a  short  time  will  receive  the  holy 
rite  of  baptism,"  said  Father  Leonhard  with  marked 
emphasis,  laying  his  hand  kindl}^  with  a  pro- 
tectmg  gesture,  on  the  head  of  the  weeping  girl. 
"  You  need  not  reproach  your  son  so  harshly  ;  it  is 
principally  due  to  him  that  this  young  soul  has  been 
won  over  to  Christianity." 

George's  mother  listened  intently  to  the  last  words. 
She  was  a  pious  wo  man  and  perceived  that,  if  George 
had  such  praiseworthy  designs,  he  certainly  could 
not  be  possessed  by  the  devil.  The  farmer  too  was 
somewhat  softened,  and  muttered  : 

"  That's  a  different  matter  !  But  the  girl  doesn't 
come  into  my  house." 

"  Then  I'll  take  Jovica  and  go  straight  back  with 
her  to  Krivoscia  among  the  savages  !  "  cried  George 
with  desperate  energy.  "  I'd  rather  keep  goats  with 
her  all  my  life  than  live  at  Moosbach  Farm  without 
her.  True,  they'll  cot  off  my  nose  up  there  and  both 
ears  to  boot,  that's  the  custom  among  these  barbari- 
ans when  a  new  member  is  admitted,  but  no  matter 
— I'll  bear  it  for  Jovica's  sake." 


190  DANIRA. 

The  threat  made  some  impression,  especially  on  the 
mother,  who  now  heard  of  this  terrible  custom  for 
tlie  first  time.  She  clasped  her  hands  in  horror  and 
looked  at  her  George's  nose,  which  suited  his  face  so 
well,  but  the  father  angrily  exclaimed : 

"  You'll  do  no  such  thing !  You'll  stay  here  in 
Tyrol  among  Christian  people." 

"  Silence,  George  !  "  said  Father  Leonhard  to  the 
young  soldier,  who  was  about  to  make  a  defiant 
answer.  "  Do  you  want  at  the  first  moment  of  meet- 
ing to  irritate  your  parents  against  you  ?  Let  me  talk 
with  them.  Come,  Farmer  Moosbach,  and  you,  too, 
dame,  we  will  discuss  the  matter  quietly ;  you  have 
been  speaking  so  loud  that  everybody  is  listening.'* 

The  attention  of  the  bystanders  had  indeed  been 
attracted,  and  George's  last  words  were  heard  by  a 
large  circle  of  listeners,  in  whose  minds  they  inspired 
positive  terror.  Father  Leonliard  now  drew  the 
parents  aside  with  liim  and  thus  the  disjDute  ended, 
but  the  report  ran  like  wildfire  from  lip  to  lip  that 
George  Moosbach  had  brought  home  a  Turkish  girl, 
whom  he  wanted  to  marry,  and  he  intended  to  have 
his  nose  and  ears  cut  off  directly  after,  because  that 
was  the  custom  at  pagan  weddings. 

George  did  not  trouble  himself  about  all  this,  for 
Jovica  was  still  weeping,  and  he  at  present  was  try- 
ing to  comfort  her. 

"You  and  no  one  else  will  bo  the  mistress  of 
Moosbach  Farm,"  he  protested.  "  Don't  cry,  Jovica ; 
you  see  Father  Leonhard  has  taken  the  matter  in 
liand,  so  it  is  half  accomplished.  A  priest  can  man- 
age everything  in  our  country." 


DA  NIB  A.  191 

And  the  priest  did  not  disappoint  the  confidence 
reposed  in  him.  True,  Father  Leonhard  had  a  hard 
struggle  with  the  angry  parents,  and  it  required  all 
their  respect  for  his  oifice  to  induce  them  to  permit 
his  mediation  at  all,  but  he  knew  how  to  strike  the 
right  chord  at  once.  He  explained  to  them  that  the 
object  here  was  to  save  a  soul  for  heaven,  that  it  was 
really  very  meritorious  in  George  to  desire  to  trans- 
form the  poor  pagan  girl  whom  he  had  found  into  a 
Christian  wife,  and  that  a  share  in  this  blessed  work 
was  allotted  to  them,  the  parents. 

This  produced  an  effect  first  on  the  mother,  who 
was  really  in  mortal  terror  lest  her  son  might  fall 
into  paganism  if  he  returned  to  the  wilderness. 

Farmer  Moosbach  and  his  wife  were  pious  Tyr- 
olese,  and  the  priest's  interposition  in  behalf  of  the 
young  lovers  had  great  weight  with  them. 

To  have  their  heir  woo  a  young  foreign  orphan,  a 
poor  girl,  seemed  to  them  something  unprecedented, 
impossible.  But  since  he  desired  at  the  same  time 
to  convert  a  pagan  to  Christianity  and  save  a  soul 
for  heaven,  the  whole  affair  assumed  a  different 
shape.  That  would  be  talked  of  far  and  wide,  and 
surround  the  Moosbach  Farm  with  an  actual  halo  of 
sanctity. 

When,  in  conclusion,  Father  Leonhard  spoke  of 
Gerald's  marriage  and  his  mother's  consent — wisely 
maintaining  silence  about  her  previous  opposition — 
both  his  hearers  became  very  thoughtful.  If  the 
proud  Baroness  von  Steinach  made  no  objection  to  a 
Krivoscian  daughter-in-law,  plain  peasant-folk  might 
surely  agree  to  it. 


192  DANIRA. 

After  repeated  and  eager  discussions  they  finally 
sent  for  their  refractory  son  and  heir,  who  speedily 
appeared  before  the  tribunal. 

"  George,  you  will  now  go  home  with  your  parents 
and  behave  like  an  obedient  son,"  said  Father  Leon- 
hard,  gravely.  "When  you  have  taken  off  your 
uniform  you  must  prove  yourself  to  be  a  capable 
farmer.  Meanwhile  Jovica  will  stay  with  young 
Frau  von  Steinacli  in  order  to  learn  German  and 
become  familiar  with  the  customs  of  our  country. 
Next  month  I  intend  to  confer  upon  her  the  holy 
I'ite  of  baptism — your  parents  have  promised  to  act 
as  god-father  and  god-mother." 

"  Yes,  your  reverence,  but  you  must  make  it  a 
very  grand  affair,  so  that  it  will  be  talked  of  through- 
out the  country,"  said  farmer  Moosbacli,  and  his  wife 
added : 

"  And  all  the  priests  in  the  neighborhood  must  be 
present," 

George  expressed  liis  joy  in  a  jump  that  was  sadly 
opposed  to  dignity  and  respect ;  then  he  eagerly 
kissed  the  priest's  hand. 

"  Your  reverence,  I'll  never  forget  this  as  long  as 
I  live!  I  said  that  a  priest  could  set  everything 
straight.  Hurrah  for  the  young  mistress  of  Moos- 
bach  Farm  !  " 

Half  an  hour  later  Gerald  and  his  wife  set  out  on 
their  journey  to  Castle  Steinach. 

Jovica  sat  beside  th(3  coachman.  Her  tears  were 
dried,  and  she  looked  extre^nely  hajjpy,  for  George 
had  of  course  found  time,  before  his  departure,  to  come 


DATflRA.  193 

*o  her  and  tell  the  successful  result  of  the  dispute  and 
the  no  less  delightful  fact  that  Moosbach  Farm  was 
only  fifteen  minutes'walk  from  Castle  Steiiiach. 

The  carriage  drove  swiftly  tlirough  the  sunny 
valley  of  the  Adige,  which  to-day  seemed  to  have 
decked  itself  in  the  full  radiance  of  its  beauty  to 
greet  the  returning  son  and  his  young  wife.  The 
wide  landscape  was  steeped  in  golden  sunlight,  one 
vast  vineyard,  which  was  surrounded  by  a  chain  of 
villages  like  a  garland,  stretching  upward  even  to  the 
castles  everywhere  visible  on  the  heights.  The 
river,  sparkling  and  glittering,  also  rippled  a  wel- 
come, mountains  towered  aloft,  the  distant  peaks 
veiled  in  blue  mist,  the  nearer  ones  clothed  with  dark 
forests,  while  from  the  highest  summits  the  gleam  of 
snow  was  seen  from  the  valley,  to  which  the  warm, 
soft  south  wind  lent  all  the  splendor  of  a  southern 
clime. 

■  "  Is  not  my  native  land  beautiful  ?  "  asked  Gerald, 
with  sparkling  eyes.  "  Shall  you  miss  your  home 
here?" 

"  I  shall  miss  nothing — with  you,"  said  the  young 
wife,  looking  up  at  him  with  a  smile. 

"  It  shall  be  my  care  to  make  the  new  home  dear 
to  you.  Yet  I  sometimes  feel  a  secret  dread  that  the 
old  conflict  may  be  renewed.  You  made  me  realize 
so  long  and  so  painfully,  my  Danira,  that  your  peo- 
ple were  hostile  to  mine." 

"  They  have  now  concluded  a  treaty  of  peace,  like 
ourselves.  No,  Gerald,  you  need  not  fear.  All  that 
I  had  to  conquer  and  subdue  was  vanquished  on  that 


13 


I 


194  DAN  IRA. 

night  of  storm  when  I  went  fiom  the  Vila  spring  to 
the  fort.  The  hardest  choice  was  placed  before  me, 
a  choice  far  more  difficult  than  the  decision  between 
life  and  death.  I  chose  your  rescue — was  not  that 
enough  ?  " 

"  Yet,  even  after  that  rescue,  you  intended  to  sac- 
rifice your  life  and  our  happiness  to  an  illusion.  You 
would  have  been  lost  had  that  confession  escaped 
your  lips — and  you  were  going  to  speak." 

"  It  was  no  illusion,  it  would  have  been  only  an 
atonement,"  said  Danira,  with  deep  emotion.  "  I 
knew  that  Marco  would  resist  any  attack,  and  if  a 
battle  had  ensued,  if  the  blood  of  my  people  had  been 
shed  by  you — I  had  summoned  the  enemy,  the  guilt 
would  have  been  mine.  That  blood  would  have 
separated  us  forever.  I  could  not  have  lived  with 
such  a  memory.  Then  a  higher  power  uttered  Marco's 
doom  and  my  pardon.  No  battle  was  fought ;  even 
the  fierce  sons  of  our  mountains  saw  in  that  sign 
what  I  recognized— a  judgment  of  God." 


THE  BNDU 


■HP' 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


AA        001  387  707        1 


